In JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind (Part 5), one of the most intense battles unfolds when Mista and Giorno confront Ghiaccio and his chilling Stand, White Album. The battle begins at Venice’s Santa Lucia Station, a real-world location filled with both beauty and story. This article explores the actual scenes depicted in the anime and presents a detailed pilgrimage route every fan should experience.
What Is Santa Lucia Station? A Gateway Where JoJo Fans Gather
Basic Info and Attractions of the Station
Santa Lucia Station serves as the main railway terminal on Venice’s main island. Located alongside the Grand Canal, it instantly immerses visitors in the charm of the water city. Combining modern architecture with historic scenery, the station is more than just a transportation hub—it is a gateway to another world.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Cannaregio District, Venice main island |
| Year Opened | 1860 |
| Transport Connections | Long-distance trains, vaporetto (water buses) |
| Nearby Attractions | Grand Canal, Ponte degli Scalzi, hotels, cafés |
This unique blend of history and architecture makes the station a symbolic starting point for both travelers and JoJo enthusiasts.
Where the Battle Begins: Real-Life Setting of the Ghiaccio Scene
Why the Station’s Road and Canal Were Chosen
The battle against Ghiaccio begins in Episode 24 of the anime, just as Mista and Giorno leave the station by car. They are ambushed by White Album near the intersection and canal directly outside the station.
Key background elements like the bridge, canal-side streets, and stone pavement appear almost identically in real life, creating an incredible overlap between animation and reality.
| Anime Scene | Real-Life Setting |
|---|---|
| Ambush outside the station | Roundabout and bridge by the entrance |
| Sliding on frozen ground | Stone-paved canal paths |
| Start of the gunfight | Straight street lined with Venetian buildings |
These real-world visuals affirm Hirohiko Araki’s meticulous research and attention to setting.
Starting the Pilgrimage: A Walk Toward the “Lion Statue”
A Route That Follows the Story’s Flow
After escaping the station, Giorno and Mista head for the “Lion Statue,” a location many fans believe to be inspired by Venice’s St. Mark’s Square and its surrounding sculptures.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Departure | Santa Lucia Station—the starting point of the anime |
| Midpoint | Rialto Bridge—shown as a chase location |
| Arrival | St. Mark’s Square, near the lion statues |
| Distance | Approx. 2.5 km (30-minute walk) |
| Best Season | Spring to autumn; beware of crowds in summer |
The path winds through Venice’s maze-like alleys and small bridges, making it an immersive and cinematic journey.
Atmosphere You Can Only Feel There: Real-Life Immersion
Fan Reactions Reveal the Power of Pilgrimage
Fans who have visited Santa Lucia Station often say things like, “It looked exactly like the anime” or “I got chills seeing it in person.” Walking through the same spaces as the characters, while recalling lines and music from the anime, provides a powerful emotional experience.
| Fan Activity | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Watch anime before visiting | Enhances recognition of key scenes |
| Recreate angles in photos | Capture your own version of the anime world |
| Try local cafés and bakeries | Enjoy Venice’s tastes while immersed in the story |
These encounters create a lasting bond between the fan and the story, turning a casual walk into a deep emotional experience.
Preparation and Manners for a Smooth Pilgrimage
What to Know Before You Go
Venice, being a major tourist destination, requires that visitors be courteous and prepared. A smooth pilgrimage starts with the right gear and mindset.
| Checklist | Details |
|---|---|
| Comfortable shoes | Uneven stone paths; heels and sandals are not ideal |
| Essentials | Map app, portable charger, water, hat |
| Best Time | Morning, when the crowds are fewer |
| Local Etiquette | Be quiet and respectful in residential or commercial areas |
To enjoy the pilgrimage fully, remember: “You are a traveler first, a fan second.”
Conclusion
Everything Begins at This Station: The Origin for Every Fan
Santa Lucia Station is more than just a travel hub—it is the starting point of a dramatic, unforgettable JoJo moment. Walking through the real-life backgrounds that mirror the anime, fans can tangibly feel the story come alive.
This is not just a tour. It is a personal journey into the heart of JoJo’s world, set against the backdrop of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. As you follow the path from the station to the lion statue, you are not just retracing a story—you are becoming part of it.
So why wait? Visit this iconic location and feel the power of JoJo’s world beneath your feet. It may just be the start of a bizarre adventure of your own.
