'The pomp and circumstance, the glory that was Venice, lives on in this remarkable collection of paintings spanning the 13th to the 18th centuries.' - that was what I read in my guidebook.

What was it that I discovered? It is a rare case, but the reality matches the expectations, and (if possible when they were so drummed up) even surpassed them.

Paolo and Lorenzo Veneziano (early Renaissance or late Gothic, call it however you like), Giovanni Bellini's Madonna and Saint, then come miles of paintings by Giorgione - that great Venetian artist. Can't even name them all!

Head along to something rarer - non-Italian Renaissance paintings: among them Hans Memling's 15th-century 'Portrait of a Young Man.'

Then (after a what might seem a rather long walk) you will come to one of my favorite rooms - with views of... Venice, what else? There is Gentile Bellini's stunning portrait of St. Mark's Square, back in the days - done in the year 1496 - when the houses glistened with gold in the sun. Also watch out for Carpaccio's painting of Ponte Rialto and a covered wooden bridge.

Admission price - at something close to 7 USD in today's prices - is not high for a top Venetian museum, and you are guaranteed a pleasant afternoon. If you love paintings, that is!