The famous winged lion, also known as the Lion of Venice, has been watching over the city from atop the Column of San Marco for over 700 years.
The sculpture has become an identity for the residents of Venice and is also featured on the historic flag of the Republic of Venice.
A new study has revealed the origins of the bronze sculpture which is also considered an icon of political power.
The study published in the Journal Antiquity has found that the Lion of Venice, weighing 300kg, was actually “made in China”.
The lion has a striking resemblance to guardian sculptures from China's Tang Dynasty.
The lead isotope analysis was performed on samples of lion to determine its origin.
None of the evidence found linked the monument to Venetian or European forge and found that the copper for the sculpture was obtained from the Lower Yangzi River basin in China.
Dr Massimo from the University of Padua said, “The Lion of Saint Mark is Chinese and it walked the Silk Road.”
Since, there are no known records about the origins of the sculptures, the recent study offers a solution to one of the mysteries of Venetian history.
The study further suggested that the “symbol of power” may have been brought to Venice from Beijing by Marco Polo’s father, Niccolo.