One of the most famous monumental squares in Europe, Piazza San Marco is simply known in Venice as 'the piazza', and as 'Europe’s salon', in reference to the flourishing of arts and culture that happened here throughout the city's history. Dedicated to Venice’s patron saint, Saint Mark, the square was created in the late 9th century, taking its current form in the 12th century and being paved 100 years later. The square actually consists of two different areas: the main square, which opens up in front of the Basilica, and the Piazzetta San Marco, which runs along the Palazzo Ducale until the shores of the lagoon. The Piazzetta could be considered the 'sea access' to the Square and the Basilica, with the two monumental columns standing right at the opening of the lagoon confirm it. The one with the omnipresent winged lion is dedicated to Saint Mark; the other is in honour of Venice’s previous patron saint, Saint Theodore.