As you stroll around Venice, one of the first things you'll notice is the city flag.
It's everywhere!
Today, I'm talking to you in detail about this beautiful, ubiquitous symbol.
Venice flag: article summary
A highly recognizable banner
The Venetian flag isn't just a votive decoration, it's much more than that! In fact, it's been everywhere for centuries. Whether in squares, on monuments and in all the places you visit in the city.
Since the 13th century, the Lion of St. Mark has represented the city of Venice. That's why it's easy to find this symbol in many other Italian and Mediterranean cities. Because at some point in their history, they became part of the Serenissima Republic.
According to legend, an angel in the shape of a winged lion addressed the following words to the Saint, shipwrecked in the lagoons: "Pax tibi Marce, meus evangéliste. Hic requiescet corpus tuum" (Peace to you, Marco, my evangelist. Here your body will rest).
What's more, Saint Mark has always been represented as a lion in Christian tradition. So it's easy to see that Lion of Saint Mark is an image with a strong symbolic value.
What does the Venice flag symbolize?
The lion symbolizes the power of the evangelist's words, the wings symbolize spiritual elevation, while the halo symbolizes the power of the evangelist's words. is the traditional Christian symbol of holiness.
All the characteristics with which Venice likes to think and describe itself were symbolically present: majesty, power, wisdom, justice, peace, military strength and religious piety.
Over the centuries, the Lion of Saint Mark has been depicted in a variety of ways. Traditionally, there are two main ways of depicting the lion:
- A lion with an open book and the phrase "Pax tibi Marce, meus evangelist" for times of peace.
- A lion with a closed book and a sword wartime clothing.
Venetians love their Lion so much that it is still the symbol of the city of Venice and the Veneto region.
Where can you see the Venice flag?
The flag of Venice and its characteristic lion are visible all over the city. One of the most famous places is, of course, the place Saint-Marc you can see it, surmounting a column. Many of the city's gates are also surmounted by this winged lion. This symbol can also be found on the various guidebooks and tourist maps you can buy at the city's various kiosks.
The lion of Venice sometimes flies on a flag above the city's various monuments. From the Santa Lucia station from St. Mark's Square to the various museums, you can't miss the image of this magnificent winged lion surmounting the book representing knowledge.
Venice's flag is distinctive and represents all aspects of the city. During your visit, you can enjoy its beauty in different parts of Venice. If you'd like to give a gift to someone close to you, I'd also recommend visiting the stores that sell lithographs of this flag. You'll take home from your trip a unique souvenir with a strong symbolism to keep or share with your loved ones.
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Venice guide.
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