Perhaps the most iconic symbol of the Venetian period in Corfu is the Lion of Saint Mark, the winged lion holding the Gospel, known as the emblem of the Most Serene Republic of Venice. In Corfu, this lion was not just a decorative element: it became part of the landscape, a fixture of daily life, a marker of authority, and ultimately, a component of collective memory.
The Lion of Saint Mark has been the symbol of Venice since the 9th century, when the relics of the saint were brought from Alexandria to Venice. Saint Mark became the patron saint of the city, and his lion—a symbol of strength, wisdom, and influence, was established as the official emblem of the Venetian Republic. The lion is depicted with wings and either an open or closed Gospel in its paws, depending on the context: when the Gospel is open, it symbolizes peace; when it is closed and the lion also holds a sword, it denotes a time of war. For the Venetians, the lion was more than a religious symbol, it was a political and administrative mark of sovereignty, signifying control over the territories they ruled. Whenever Venice conquered a new area, it made sure to install lions of Saint Mark in prominent, visible places: fortresses, gates, administrative buildings, and ports. It was a statement of power and dominion.
Corfu, as the most significant Venetian stronghold in the Ionian Sea, pivotal for defense against the Ottoman Empire, held special strategic value for the Republic. The Venetians did not hesitate to invest heavily in the fortification of the island, both financially and through manpower. They constructed the island’s two major forts,the Old Fortress and the New Fortress—as well as other military installations throughout Corfu.
On all of these monuments, the lions of Saint Mark occupy a prominent position. Their presence served both as a reminder of Venetian rule and a symbol of protection. To the local population, the lion was a sign of strength and stability. Thanks to Venetian control, Corfu was spared from Ottoman conquest and maintained a European cultural orientation, an identity that remains deeply ingrained in the island’s character today.
Many of the lions from that era still survive today, standing as open-air monuments of historical memory. Some of the most noteworthy examples include those found at the entrance and within the interior of the Old Fortress. Several stone-carved lions remain there, with the imposing lion above the entrance gate standing out as one of the first sights that greets visitors. These lions serve as a reminder that the fortress was not just a defensive structure but also a symbol of authority. Built by the Venetians in the 16th century, the New Fortress incorporates lions into various sections of its walls, particularly near the gates. While some of these carvings have been weathered by time, they still impress with their craftsmanship and the grandeur they radiate.
Although the Lion of Saint Mark originally represented a foreign power, over time the people of Corfu integrated it into their own collective memory. These lions are no longer seen as relics of colonial rule but rather as emblems of culture, stability, and even resistance. This reinterpretation is partly due to the nature of Venetian governance. Unlike other conquerors, the Venetians did not seek to suppress the local language or religion. This allowed a relationship of mutual respect to develop, fostering a more benign legacy.
These lions are not only symbols, they are also works of art. Carved by skilled stonemasons of the time, in styles ranging from late Gothic to Renaissance realism, they reflect the artistic excellence of the Venetian school. Their features wings, posture, gaze, and the Gospel remain striking, even as time has worn them down. They offer valuable insight into the aesthetic values and technical mastery of the era.
Today, the lions of Saint Mark serve as reminders of Corfu’s complex cultural history. They act as landmarks for locals, points of interest for visitors, and subjects of study for historians and architects alike. Many of them have been incorporated into cultural tourism routes and have become integral parts of Corfu’s urban character.
Interest in these lions has been rekindled in recent years through academic research projects, exhibitions, and conservation efforts led by local organizations and the Greek Archaeological Service. Some of these statues have even been digitized into three-dimensional models to ensure their preservation for future generations.
