The original horses is commonly believed to have come from the hippodrome of Constantinople (modern day Istanbul, Turkey). The horses were sent to Venice by Enrico Dandolo (the leader of the Venetian Crusaders) following the sack of Constantinople in 1204. They were stolen again by Napoleon when in 1797 he conquered Italy. The horses with a chariot were placed on top of Arc de Troimphe to commemorate Napolean’s victory. Following Napolean’s defeat at Waterloo, the horses were returned to the Austrian Empire (who had annexed Venice). The Austrians returned the horses to Venice. The original horses are now inside the basilica, but the replicas are placed on top of the front facade.
St Mark’s Square viewed from the terrace of St Mark’s Basilica
Doge’s Palace balcony viewed from St Mark’s terrace
