Visit Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a wonderful place to discover.
Venice is a city of never-ending wonder.
Just stroll through its streets and you'll be overwhelmed by a real sense of happiness.
However, the wonder is even greater when you know the story behind its most famous attractions.
Today, let's take a look at this establishment.
La Scuola Grande di San Rocco: article summary
Scuola Grande di San Rocco: what is it?
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is one of Venice's most important buildings. It is famous for its magnificent architectural design. Its name has a precise origin: that of a lay brotherhood founded in 1478, stemming from a veneration for San Rocco that was deeply rooted among the people, with the aim of doing good deeds and helping the poor.
Confraternities were associations of the faithful dedicated to the exercise of Christian charity. At the time, they were widespread throughout Italy. In Venice, however, they were called "Schools". In 1485, the Confraternity even came into possession of a relic of the saint. This detail contributed to its popularity, until it became of the city.
The San Rocco school over the years.
The rapid ascent was celebrated with the decision to build a prestigious and imposing new headquarters, which can still be visited today. The pictorial decoration was commissioned from Tintoretto, who expresses himself here with his most famous cycle, concerning episodes from the Old and New Testaments. To understand the importance of this commitment for the artist, consider that it took him 24 years to complete it, from 1564 to 1588.
When the Republic of Venice fell, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco was the only one of the seven to survive. Even today, the brotherhood performs charitable tasks, in addition to caring for the masterpieces housed in the building, a collection of over 60 paintings.
An extraordinary artistic building
Although, as we have seen, the building is decorated with paintings of the highest level, the visit is also interesting for non-art lovers, as the beauty of the Scuola lies in its whole, where architecture, the figurative arts, sculpture and wonder come together.
The building has two floors, with three rooms open to the public. It has a shape typical of Renaissance structures, as well as features typical of other rooms in Venetian schools, or two rooms, one above the other, are linked by a monumental staircase.
It was designed by Pietro Bon in 1517. Construction was completed in 1550 under the supervision of Giangiacomo de' Grigi, after a succession of prestigious architects.
Unique works of art in Venice
The decorative paintings were commissioned following a competition. Candidates were required to submit preparatory drawings within 30 days. The winning painter was the famous Tintoretto, who became a member of the Confrérie.
Now, thanks to a newly redesigned lighting system, it is possible to admire his pictorial works with a light that has been designed to be as close as possible to that of the period. It's the perfect way to get closer to the artist's original vision. Finally, at the Scuola Grande, you can also find famous masterpieces by Tiziano, Giorgione and Tiepolo, as well as a precious collection of ceramics.
How to get to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco?
Getting to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is easy. It's located in Campo San Rocco, San Polo, and you can get there by vaporetto to the San Tomà stop. You must then walk just 3 minutes in the direction of the building. You can also get there by train. The school is just 8 minutes from the Venice Santa Lucia station.
What are the opening hours?
Scuola Grande is open every day except New Year's Eve and Christmas, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
How much does it cost to enter the Scuola Grande di San Rocco?
The entrance costs €10. For younger visitors, there's a reduced-price ticket costing just €8. Book your ticket in advance and avoid the queues, You can also book your visit in advance.
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a must-see when in Venice. Here you'll find magnificent works of art and exceptional architecture. Perfect for complete your vacation in Venice.
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