Scuola Grande di San Rocco – a brotherhood from the time of the Venetian Republic
The most beautiful of the ‘Scuole Grande’: explore art and history at the Scuola San Rocco with the Venice City Pass
Highlights
Gallery
What awaits you on site
Discover the unique art treasures of the Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice
The Scuola San Rocco is one of the great Scuole, or brotherhoods, in Venice. These were founded from the 13th century onwards and were important religious and social institutions. The guild building of the largest Scuole, di San Rocco, was decorated with paintings and ceiling frescoes by the famous Venetian artist Jacopo Tintoretto over a period of 20 years.
The paintings depict more than 60 episodes from the Old and New Testaments and are considered masterpieces. For some art lovers, the Scuola di San Rocco with Tintoretto’s works is the Venetian equivalent of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Here you can not only experience the religious and cultural history of Venice, but also admire the impressive artistry of one of the greatest Venetian painters of all time.
History and significance of the Scuola di San Rocco
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice has a fascinating historical significance. It was founded in the 15th century, or more precisely in 1478, in response to the growing plague epidemic that was ravaging Venice. The brotherhood of the Black Monks, which was responsible for the Scuola, decided to declare Saint Roch of Montpellier their patron saint, as he was considered in popular tradition to be a miracle healer against the plague.
The Scuola was later completely rebuilt and expanded in the 16th century. During this process, the brotherhood commissioned the famous Venetian painter Jacopo Tintoretto to decorate the rooms with an impressive collection of paintings. Tintoretto worked on this project for more than two decades and created some of his most important works, which now adorn the walls of the Scuola.
The building of the Scuola Grande di San Rocco not only served as a meeting place for the brotherhood and for the veneration of Saint Roch, but also as a place for social and charitable activities. The school played an important role in the history of Venice and its community. Today, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco houses an impressive collection of paintings by Tintoretto, including his famous works such as ‘The Adoration of the Shepherds’ and ‘The Crucifixion’.
Visitor Information
Scuola Grande: daily from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Church: Monday – Saturday from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Sunday from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm
Campo San Rocco, 3052, 30125 San Polo, Venice, Italy
