Pala D'Ora

Just for fun I got out a Venice guide to look at some of the things talked about in Mark Twain's book.
In it,I came across a photo of the Pala D'Ora ,an alter piece in the ST Marks Basilica .It is
universally recognized as one of the most refined and accomplished works of Byzantine craftsmanship. Created by Gian Palo Boninsegna hundreds of years ago,(some components of it are older), it is made of Gold and precious stones and contains panels that depict Biblical figures and events . Its overwhelming beauty and historical aura  totally stunned me. I read that Napoleon's army decided  not to destroy it (after conquering Venice) because they thought it was not made of real materials so left it behind.
How lucky for us all!