Colonna di San Marco, Verona

Located at the northern end of Verona's charming Piazza delle Erbe, the Colonna di San Marco stands as a testament to the city's rich history and its connection to the Venetian Republic. This impressive monument, crafted from elegant white Verona marble, was erected in 1523 under the artistic direction of Michele Leoni.

Atop the column, the Lion of San Marco, a splendid winged lion, symbolizes the evangelist San Marco and recalls Venice's dominance over Verona in a bygone era. However, the current lion isn't the original. In 1797, after the dissolution of the Venetian Republic due to the treaty of Campoformio between Austria and France, the original lion was removed from its perch. This marked the end of an era as Napoleon Bonaparte exchanged Venice for the Duchy of Milan.

History, as it often does, came full circle. In 1866, following the Peace of Vienna and a plebiscite signaling the Veneto provinces' accession to Italy, a new lion was placed atop the column. This significant event and the return of the Lion of San Marco commemorate a time when unity and nationhood prevailed.

Visitors to Verona are captivated by the Colonna di San Marco not only for its architectural beauty but also for the layers of historical significance it embodies. It stands as a silent guardian over Piazza delle Erbe, bearing witness to centuries of change, conflict, and renewal-a testament to the enduring influence of history and the spirit of those who protect it.