The danger in Venice is that you may start with too many memories. Films, paintings, poems, songs.

Instead, forget all associations. Make your mind a blank canvas, and let the city paint its own portrait on it. 

No human glory lasts forever. But St. Mark’s Basilica will fill you with awe; the Doge’s Palace will teach you about art and history; and during your boat tour, the Grand Canal will enchant you with its palatial memories of a glorious past.

You will see Venice’s face does have a few wrinkles. But it is beautiful, and magically unique.