The Piazzetta dei Leoni lies on the north side of San Marco. It takes its name from the two lions looking towards the Piazza, carved in 1722 in emulation of the medieval lions often found supporting the columns of church porches in northern Italy. The buildings in the foreground, framing the view of the Piazza, have been reduced in scale, and Canaletto has omitted the bell-storey of the Campanile that should be seen through the pinnacles of San Marco.