Venice22 The Giants' Staircase (Scala dei Giganti) This is where the new doge was crowned, in a solemn ceremony performed before crowds of spectators. Carved by Sansovino in 1565, the two colossal marble statues of Mars and Neptune - symbols of military and naval might - stand guard over a staircase which was designed by Antonio Rizzo and is visually aligned with Porta della Carta giving onto the Piazzetta.