This 1972 Vatican City stamp (denomination L.50) features a historical map view of the Venetian lagoon, with notable islands such as San Giorgio Maggiore and San Marco depicted in artistic miniature. A sailing ship glides across the green-blue waters, symbolizing Venice’s maritime glory. Along the right edge appears the Latin phrase “PAX TIBI MARCE” (“Peace to you, Mark”), the traditional motto of Venice honoring St. Mark the Evangelist, its patron saint.

Issued by Poste Vaticane and printed by the I.P.S. in Rome, this stamp forms part of a Vatican series celebrating Christian and cultural heritage across Italy. The design’s antique cartographic style and religious message merge art, faith, and history—making it a notable thematic piece for collectors of Vatican, religious, and maritime philately.