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Le Ballet de l'Acier

Order of Saint Mark

The Venetian Order of Saint Mark was established in 737 when the remains of Saint Mark were transferred to Venice from Alexandria. Members of the order become patricians and free citizens of the city; it is conferred upon those who perform a great service on behalf of the Serenissima. The doge is the grandmaster of the order.

The badge of the order is a winged lion bearing a sword, the symbol of Saint Mark, with one paw resting on a book bearing the motto of the Republic. The badge is worn at the breast, suspended on a gold chain. The habit is a black robe similar to that worn by the patricians of the city.