Winged Lion of Venice

The winged lion is indeed the traditional symbol and emblem of St. Mark the Evangelist, who is one of the four Gospel writers in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. St. Mark is traditionally associated with the city of Venice, Italy, and the symbol of the winged lion is closely tied to his patronage.

According to tradition, St. Mark's remains were brought to Venice from Alexandria, Egypt, in the 9th century. The winged lion came to be associated with St. Mark due to a vision that Venetian sailors had, in which St. Mark appeared to them as a winged lion and assured them of his protection over the city.

The symbol of the winged lion, often referred to as the Lion of St. Mark, is widely seen throughout Venice. It can be found on buildings, statues, flags, and other emblems representing the city. It is a powerful and recognizable symbol that represents both St. Mark's patronage and the historical and cultural significance of Venice.

The winged lion as the mark of St. Mark further reinforces the association of the lion with strength, courage, and divine protection. It serves as a reminder of the Christian heritage and the role of St. Mark in the religious and cultural life of Venice.