Why are there so many facinating sculptures in Venice?

Question

Like lions with wings... what do they all mean!

Answer 1

conley39 has it right. Furthermore - the Lion of Venice is often always painted with a back paw in water. This is to demonstrate that the Most Serene Republic ruled on land as well as on the seas.

As for the sculptures you probably mean statues or monuments. These of course are in honor to the many city leaders, statesmen and artists.

Answer 2

The lions with wings are the symbol of St Mark - the patron saint of Venice. You can tell whether a particular site was built during a time of war or peace by whether the bible with the lion is open or closed.