The Quadriga of St. Mark is a bronze sculpture located at the top of the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy. It was made by sculptor Giuseppe Torretto and installed in 1745 to replace an earlier version destroyed by lightning in 1577. The Quadriga depicts four horses pulling a chariot carrying the patron saint of Venice, Saint Mark, seated with his book and staff. This iconic statue has become symbolic of both Venetian history and culture as well as its position as one of Europe’s most influential cities during its time as a maritime republic.
The presence of the Quadriga atop the bell tower serves multiple purposes beyond simply providing aesthetic beauty to Piazza San Marco. As an emblem for the city, it is meant to symbolize Venice’s connection to Christianity through St. Mark and also represents their power over land and sea given that chariots were used for battle during antiquity while ships were necessary for trade across seas and oceans at that time period. Due to being placed on such high ground overlooking Piazza San Marco from above, it serves as a reminder for citizens about civic pride – encouraging them to remember what makes Venice so great: its people and traditions which have been passed down through generations since ancient times all culminating in this present day moment when visitors can marvel at this amazing piece of artistry sitting proudly atop one of Italy’s most recognizable monuments.