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The most beautiful of the ‘Scuole Grande’: explore art and history at the Scuola San Rocco with the Venice City Pass

Outside view of the Scuola san Rocco in Venice A historical painting inside the Scuola San Rocco in Venice A large historic hall inside the Scuola San Rocco in Venice A historical ceiling painting inside the Scuola San Rocco in Venice wood carving inside the scuola San Rocco in Venice

Highlights

  • Your City Pass, your plan: discover Venice the way you like! 
  • Your ticket for the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is already included in your Venice City Pass. 
  • No advance reservation is required for this attraction – your City Pass is your ticket 
  • Masterpieces by Tintoretto: The impressive collection of paintings by the famous painter Jacopo Tintoretto is undoubtedly the centrepiece of the visit. His impressive works, including ‘The Adoration of the Shepherds’ and ‘The Crucifixion’, are true masterpieces of Renaissance art. 
  • Architectural splendour: The building itself is an architectural masterpiece with its opulent decoration and elaborate details. The impressive architecture of the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a sight to behold. 
  • Historical significance: Learn more about the historical significance of the Scuola as a meeting place for the Brotherhood of the Black Monks and their social and charitable activities. 
  • Sacred treasures: In addition to the Tintoretto paintings, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco houses a variety of religious artefacts, including altars, sculptures and liturgical objects that emphasise the sacred significance of the place. 
  • Unique atmosphere: The Scuola offers a calm and spiritual atmosphere that invites you to linger and reflect. 

Discover the unique art treasures of the Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice

What awaits you on site

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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’. 

How to get there

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Address:
Campo San Rocco, 3052, 30125 San Polo, Venice, Italy

Good to know

  • Opening hours
    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 pm to 5.30 pm 
  • The ticket office closes at 5 pm. 

Your ticket for the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is already included in your Venice City Pass.


 

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