Winged Lion, Symbol of Venice
Posted by Avital Pinnick on June 18, 2012
This photo was taken from the bell tower opposite San Marco Basilica. The winged lion is both a symbol of St. Mark the Evangelist (= San Marco), patron of Venice, and of the City of Venice itself. Winged lions are depicted in many piazzas. This lion on the stop of the standard is actually higher than the dome of the basilica itself. The telephoto lens compresses the distance so that it appears as if the lion is just above the tourists on the ground.
You can see the relative distance below:
This and That 
Penelope said
Why can’t I see the 2nd photo?
Avital Pinnick said
Flickr has had some glitches today. Try again later. I can see it right now.