Like many medieval saints, French-born San Rocco (St. Roch) died young, but thanks to his work healing the sick in the 14th century, his cult became associated with the power to cure the plague and other serious illnesses. When his body was brought to Venice in 1485, this scuola began to reap the benefits, and by 1560 the current complex was completed. Work soon began on more than 50 paintings by Tintoretto, and today the scuola is primarily a shrine to the masterful Venetian artist. You enter at the Ground Floor Hall (Sala Terrena), where the paintings were created between 1583 and 1587, led by one of the most frenzied “Annunciations” ever made. The “Flight into Egypt” here is undeniably one of Tintoretto’s greatest works. Upstairs is the Great Upper Hall (Sala Superiore), where Old Testament scenes such as “Moses Striking Water From the Rock” cover the ceiling. The paintings around the walls, based on the New Testament, are generally regarded as a master class of perspective, shadow, and color. In the Sala dell’Albergo, an entire wall is adorned by Tintoretto’s mind-blowing “Crucifixion” (as well as his “Glorification of St. Roch,” on the ceiling, the painting that actually won him the contract to paint the scuola). Way up in the loft, the Tesoro (Treasury) is a tiny space dedicated primarily to gold reliquaries containing venerated relics such as the fingers of St. Peter and St. Andrew, and one of the thorns that crowned Christ during the crucifixion.
Venice
Travel Guide
Venice› Attraction
Scuola Grande di San Rocco (Confraternity of St. Roch)
Campo San Rocco 3052, adjacent to Campo dei Frari
Our Rating
Hours
Daily 9:30am–5:30pm
Transportation
Vaporetto: San Tomà (walk straight ahead on Calle del Traghetto and turn right and immediately left across Campo San Tomà; walk straight ahead on Ramo Mandoler, Calle Larga Prima, and Salizada San Rocco, which leads into the campo of the same name—look for crimson sign behind Frari Church)
Phone
041-5234864
Prices
Admission 10€ adults (price includes audioguide); 8€ ages 18–26; 18 and under free
Web site
Scuola Grande di San Rocco (Confraternity of St. Roch)
Map
Campo San Rocco 3052, adjacent to Campo dei Frari VeniceNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.