The Columns of San Marco and San Todaro

Venedig · Italia · Execution site

Executions took place between the two columns by the water. No Venetian walks between them — and a third column still lies in the lagoon.

The two columns on the Piazzetta mark the city's gate towards the sea. Tradition says three were brought home as spoils from Constantinople, but one slid into the water during unloading and was never recovered — it is said to lie in the mud of the basin still. The two that were raised carry the lion of St Mark and San Todaro. The space between them was the republic's place of execution, and it was here that Biasio the sausage-maker, among others, was beheaded. The flogging run of condemned thieves to Rialto also started from this spot. The superstition has held: Venetians still avoid walking straight between the columns, and whoever does is said to draw bad luck on themselves — gamblers and students facing exams especially.

FAQ

Hvor ligger The Columns of San Marco and San Todaro?

The Columns of San Marco and San Todaro ligger i Venedig, Italia.