What is the Justice Column made of and what sits on top of it?

The Justice Column is constructed from white marble and is topped with a sphere. It stands on a distinctive plinth of four concentric steps, making it an easily recognizable monument in the cityscape.

What does the stone lion at the base of the Justice Column represent?

A crouching stone lion at the column's base bears a collar engraved with 'Custos Iusticiae,' meaning 'guardian of justice.' The lion itself dates from the Roman period (1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.), making it one of the oldest elements of the monument.

When was the Justice Column built and who commissioned it?

The exact origin is uncertain, but the monument likely dates from either the mid-16th century when it may have been commissioned by Spanish viceroy Peter of Toledo, or around 1000 A.D. as a reminder of the Venetians' liberation from the Saracens. The ambiguity in dating reflects the column's complex historical layers.

What historical periods are represented in the Justice Column's design?

The Justice Column uniquely blends multiple historical periods: the stone lion comes from the Roman era (1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.), while the column structure itself likely dates from either the medieval Venetian period (around 1000 A.D.) or the Renaissance era (mid-16th century). This makes it a fascinating palimpsest of different historical influences.

Why is there a lion on the Justice Column and what's the significance of its inscription?

The crouching lion symbolizes strength and guardianship, with its collar inscription 'Custos Iusticiae' (guardian of justice) emphasizing the monument's dedication to the concept of justice and rule of law. Whether it commemorates Venetian liberation from the Saracens or Spanish colonial rule, the lion serves as a powerful emblem of protection and order.

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Justice column

Name: Justice column
Rating: 4.1

Piazza Mercantile, Bari, Italia• ★★★★☆• 112 views

Giovy Steinbeck

Bari

About Justice column

On a plinth of four concentric steps stands the white marble column surmounted by a sphere; at the base a crouching stone lion bears on its breast a collar engraved with the inscription Custos Iusticiae, guardian of justice. The lion is from the Roman period (1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.), but the origin of the group is uncertain: perhaps, commissioned by Spanish viceroy Peter of Toledo, it dates from the mid-16th century, or, a reminder of the Venetians who were liberated from the Saracens, it dates from around 1000