Colonna di Vigo Lion of St. Mark
Chioggia's iconic Colonna di Vigo, featuring the unique 'El Gato' Lion of St. Mark, a symbol of Venetian heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Colonna di Vigo Lion of St. Mark
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Chioggia's iconic Colonna di Vigo, featuring the unique 'El Gato' Lion of St. Mark, a symbol of Venetian heritage.
"The 'El Gato' lion adds a charming, local twist to this historic Venetian symbol."
📸 Capture the 'Cat'
Look for the unique, smaller Lion of St. Mark – it's the star! :camerawithflash:
🧐 Read the Sign
A sign explains the history, but it can be sun-damaged. Try to decipher it! 📝
Quick Facts
Rating
4.2 · 21 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Lion of St. Mark
Vigo Square
Chioggia's unique, smaller Lion of St. Mark, affectionately nicknamed 'El Gato' by locals.
Istrian Stone Base
Vigo Square
The sturdy base of the column, crafted from Istrian stone, anchors this historic monument.
Greek Marble Column
Vigo Square
Admire the elegant column made of Greek marble, a testament to Venetian craftsmanship.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the 'Cat' Nickname
Best Viewing Angles
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the 'Cat'
Look for the unique, smaller Lion of St. Mark – it's the star! :camerawithflash:
🧐 Read the Sign
A sign explains the history, but it can be sun-damaged. Try to decipher it! 📝
🚶 Explore Vigo Square
The column is central, but the whole square is worth exploring. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the 'Cat'
Look for the unique, smaller Lion of St. Mark – it's the star! :camerawithflash:
🧐 Read the Sign
A sign explains the history, but it can be sun-damaged. Try to decipher it! 📝
🚶 Explore Vigo Square
The column is central, but the whole square is worth exploring. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Colonna di Vigo to be a charming and historically significant landmark in Chioggia, representing the city's Venetian past. The unique 'El Gato' nickname for the smaller Lion of St. Mark is a recurring point of interest and amusement. While the column itself is appreciated, some note that the explanatory sign is difficult to read.
"The Vigo Column located in Vigo Square is one of the representative architectural elements of Chioggia. The base is built of Istrian stone, the column of Greek marble and in the upper part we find the Lion, the symbol of the Republic of Venice. Worth seeing."
TEODOR VIOREL CIOBOTEA
"It is a column of white Istrian marble, topped with a winged lion.
It has stood there since 1787 and was built using artifacts from the old Palazzo Pretorio, which burned to the ground during that period.
The lion's small size, compared to the usual size, became a source of ridicule among the Venetians towards the inhabitants of Chioggia, and it was nicknamed "El gato" (the cat), and in jest, they left fish bones at the statue's feet.
It was said that "El gato" of Chioggia, frightened, escaped the four Venetian winged lions on the Ponte Vigo, and fled up the column and never came down again, while the four lions are still there, on the Ponte Vigo, waiting for him."
channel max
"A column commemorating the rule of the Serenissima Republic of Venice over the city of Chioggia. It's nicknamed the cat because, compared to many similar columns in other cities under Venetian rule, this one features a much less imposing lion statue, hence the saying that a cat was placed in place of the lion."
Giampietro Ragazzo
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Colonna di Vigo is located in Vigo Square, a central and easily accessible area in Chioggia. You can reach it by walking through the charming streets of the city. If arriving by car, look for parking near the historic center.
Absolutely! Chioggia is a very walkable city, and Vigo Square is a prime location. You'll enjoy strolling through the picturesque streets to reach the column.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Colonna di Vigo is a public monument located in Vigo Square. You can view it and admire it freely without any admission fee.
Vigo Square is always accessible as it's a public space. You can visit the Colonna di Vigo at any time of day or night.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The column commemorates the rule of the Republic of Venice over Chioggia. It's topped with the Lion of St. Mark, the symbol of Venice, though this one is notably smaller than others, earning it the nickname 'El Gato' (the cat).
Locals nicknamed the lion 'El Gato' because it's smaller and less imposing than the lions found on similar columns in other Venetian-ruled cities. It's a playful jab at Chioggia's lion.
The column is primarily made of Greek marble, with a base constructed from Istrian stone. It features a Byzantine capital.
Yes, the square base has inscriptions on the east and west sides mentioning the year it was erected (1786) and the mayor at the time, Giulio Antonio Mussati. The north and south sides originally had coats of arms, but they were chiseled away after Napoleon's arrival.
There is a sign describing the column, but reviews suggest it can be difficult to see and is often sun-damaged, making it hard to read.
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