I think Stonehenge is my oldest destination. But it's unremarkable. Empty. A place that may have once been intriguing, but at some point lost all its 'presence'.

Far better than the rocks and still impressively old is Basilica di San Marco or Saint Mark's Basilica in Venice. The version that stands today was built in 1063 (Wiki says it replaces the previous one built in 828).

Churches make me squirmy. Especially Catholic ones. But I collect rosary for my Grandmother thus was required to cross the threshold and risk turning to dust.

The moment I walked through the massive doors, cutting off the comforting noise of St. Mark's square, I went numb. The gigantic multi-dome structure was dark and hushed. Soft footsteps echoed all around me. I was in an ancient crypt in a sinking city, and it smelled like one too! My nose burned with the scent of heavy incense and the slightest sting of earthy air. The walls were smooth, gray, polished stone...cold to my touch.

At this point I'm sure my husband rolled his eyes and went off to check his Blackberry while I slowed down and touched every surface. I can't help it. I love old places. The idea that someone hundreds of years ago touched something that I can touch blows me away.

The walls were a wash of brilliant colors. Gold, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire. No PMS swatches here (the paints were created with crushed gem stones). Candles flickered on every surface. Beautiful tapestries and artful glass-shaped scenes decorated every nook. Rudimentary black metal pieces served as both ornaments and functional pieces. Weaponry, including swords and canons, lined the walls.

Yes. Killing devices. In the church. And they were stolen!

In fact, Venice is known for its 'borrowing' ways. This merchant town stole artifacts from the days of Constantinople all the way to modern day art. So if you want to visit an amazing place that you'll never forget...but are hesitant because churches aren't quite your thing, visit Basilica di San Marco. It's truly a time capsule sealed from the world.

And it's filled with pilfered delights so you'll feel no need to give the hairy eyeball to the confession booth.