In Venice, I learned that the Basilica of San Marcus is one thousand years old. It is covered in golden mosaics. The original ones were looted from Constantinople during the IVth Crusade, in the first decade of the XIIIth century. This photo shows the only mosaic panel from that period still extant on the Basilica's facade. In the Academia, I saw the famous painting by Gentile Bellini depicting a solemn procession in Saint Marks square in which all the original mosaic panels are shown. This one is clearly visible.
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