Stunning Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice

On my last visit to Venice last month, I returned to a magical place – the Scuola Grande di San Rocco.

This was founded in 1458, as part of the networks of “Scuole” that existed in the Venice of the time. To grace the grand halls of this space, Venetian painter Tintoretto was commissioned to create a cycle of scenes from the Old and New Testament. Over the years, Tintoretto created an impressive 60 paintings – all on view in this incredible space, now open to the public as a museum.

Tintoretto created his masterpieces over the course of twenty years, between 1564 and 1588.

For those who don’t know the Renaissance/Mannerist master, Tintoretto is the nom d’art of Jacopo Robusti (1518-1598). Born and raised in Venice, he is closely associated with the Venice School of painting.

Luckily, he left many of his masterpieces to his hometown.

The story about how he earned his commission with the Scuola is the stuff of legend. Instead of submitting sketch designs, he was said to have submitted full-scale paintings. Perhaps not surprisingly, the commission went to Venice’s native son.

Also not surprisingly, this spectacular museum is often called the Sistine Chapel of Venice – a well-deserved honor.

It is an impressive collection of art. Thankfully, the museum provides magnifying mirrors, so you can more closely examine the ceiling frescoes.

No visit to Venice is complete without a visit to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. Take your time and enjoy the masterpieces – and your sojourn back to sixteenth century Venice.