The Columns of St. Mark and St. Theodore, located at the entrance to the Piazzetta San Marco, are two of Venice‘s most prominent and historically significant monuments. Erected in the 12th century, these granite columns were originally brought to Venice from the East, likely as war spoils, and serve as a symbolic gateway between the city and the lagoon.
The first column is topped with a statue of the winged lion of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice. This lion, a symbol of Venice’s power and independence, is depicted holding an open book, which traditionally bears the inscription “Pax Tibi Marce, Evangelista Meus” (Peace be with you, Mark, my Evangelist), underscoring the city’s spiritual and political allegiance to St. Mark.
The second column is crowned by a statue of St. Theodore, the original patron saint of Venice before St. Mark. St. Theodore is depicted standing on a crocodile, symbolizing his victory over evil, and holding a spear and shield. The statue is a later replacement, as the original statue was likely destroyed or lost.
These columns have historically served as a point of public gatherings and were once used as a site for public executions, with criminals often sentenced to death between the columns, making them a somber reminder of Venice’s judicial practices.
Situated near the water’s edge, the Columns of St. Mark and St. Theodore form an important visual and ceremonial entrance to the city for those arriving by sea. The space between the columns is traditionally considered to bring bad luck, a superstition that continues to this day, with many locals and visitors choosing to avoid walking between them.
The Columns of St. Mark and St. Theodore remain a significant part of Venice’s architectural and cultural landscape, embodying the city’s religious heritage, historical power, and enduring traditions.
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The Winged Lion
St. Mark’s symbol as the winged lion originates from early Christian symbolism and biblical imagery. The association comes from the four creatures described in the Book of Ezekiel (1:10) and the Book of Revelation (4:7), which were later interpreted by early Christian scholars as representations of the four Evangelists who authored the Gospels.
The four creatures—each with different attributes—were linked to the Evangelists:
- The man (or angel) was associated with St. Matthew, symbolizing Christ’s human nature.
- The lion was linked to St. Mark, symbolizing courage, resurrection, and Christ as king.
- The ox (or calf) was connected with St. Luke, symbolizing sacrifice.
- The eagle was associated with St. John, symbolizing divinity and inspiration.
St. Mark’s Gospel begins with John the Baptist, “a voice crying out in the wilderness,” which early Christians associated with the lion, a creature that was thought to represent royalty and power. The wings on the lion emphasize the divine nature of the Gospel and its inspiration by the Holy Spirit.
The winged lion has become a lasting symbol of St. Mark, especially in Venice, where it is prominently featured in art, architecture, and as an emblem of the city itself, reflecting St. Mark’s status as the city’s patron saint.