The Lion of Venice

Doge's Palace - Doge Francesco Foscari kneeling before the winged lion which has long been the symbol of Venice. The winged lion is also one of the symbols of the apostle, Mark the Evangelist , who has been the the city's patron saint since his remains were allegedly stolen from a tomb in Alexandria, Egypt, and brought to Venice in 828 AD. The lion's paw rests on an open book that contains the words, "Pax tibi, Marce, Evangelista meus," which translates to "Peace be upon you, O Mark, my Evangelist."

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