The Lion column stands tall in front of the church in piazza San Babila. It was designed by Giuseppe Robecco and built in 1626. The column rests upon a block base and portrays the symbol of the Porta Orientale (Porta Venezia) district.At the very top of the column is a carved stone lion, similar in proportion to the lions in piazza San Marco in Venice.
It is said that the lion, of Venetian resemblance, was discarded in piazza San Babila by the fleeing Venetians and claimed as war booty. It served as proof of the attack inflicted on the Milanese by the Venetians.