Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Venice, Italy

The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is noted for its collection of paintings by Tintoretto, generally agreed to include some of his finest work.

In January 1515 the project of the building was entrusted to Bartolomeo Bon, although some authorities assign it to his son Pietro Bon. In 1524 his work was continued by Sante Lombardo, who, in turn, three years later was replaced by Antonio Scarpagnino. Following his death in 1549, the last architect to work on the edifice was Giangiacomo dei Grigi, finishing in September 1560.

In 1564 the painter Tintoretto was commissioned to provide paintings for the Scuola, and his most renowned works are to be found in the Sala dell'Albergo and the Sala Superiore. All the works in the building are by him, or his assistants, including his son Domenico: they were executed between 1564 and 1587. Works in the sala terra are in homage to the Virgin Mary, and concentrate on episodes from her life. In the sala superiore, works on the ceiling are from the Old Testament, and on the walls from the New Testament. Together, they show the biblical story from Fall to Redemption.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Jordan Modell (6 months ago)
Lower Your expectations and you'll be fine. It's really only one floor. But there are a lot of nice things to see on that floor. Not sure it was really worth €13 but it also felt good to contribute as it's a non-for profit

Don Lowe (6 months ago)
The Scuola Grande Din San Rocco is one of the most historical decorated building in Venice This place was build during the 16th century. this a two story building, But only 3 halls are allowed visit by public.

Jelena Lapickaja (7 months ago)
I was absolutely lucky to attend "Four Seasons" Vivaldi's concert in Venice. This was a unique opportunity to hear a beautiful Italian music in a building which walls heard real composers. Unbelievable, very intimate, if you will only have a chance, please use it and enjoy every minute of it.

Ault Nathanielsz (7 months ago)
Astonishingly large masterpieces by Tintoretto. The real goes are upstairs. Use one of the mirrors (provided for free) to really appreciate the work on the ceiling.

philippe michalik (11 months ago)
Awesome place, really amazing. The entrance fee is kinda expensive (10euros as of November 2018) but I found it really worth it! The paintings and sculptures are breathtaking and huge. Do it without hesitation. You are provided a little booklet explaining the different paintings, and you can grab some mirrors in order to easily look at the ceiling.

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The Château de Chaumont was founded in the 10th century by Odo I, Count of Blois. The purpose was to protect his lands from attacks from his feudal rivals, Fulk Nerra, Count of Anjou. On his behalf the Norman Gelduin received it, improved it and held it as his own. His great-niece Denise de Fougère, having married Sulpice d'Amboise, passed the château into the Amboise family for five centuries.

Pierre d'Amboise unsuccessfully rebelled against King Louis XI and his property was confiscated, and the castle was dismantled on royal order in 1465. It was later rebuilt by Charles I d'Amboise from 1465–1475 and then finished by his son, Charles II d'Amboise de Chaumont from 1498–1510, with help from his uncle, Cardinal Georges d'Amboise; some Renaissance features were to be seen in buildings that retained their overall medieval appearance. The château was acquired by Catherine de Medici in 1550. There she entertained numerous astrologers, among them Nostradamus. When her husband, Henry II, died in 1559 she forced his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, to exchange Château de Chaumont for Château de Chenonceau which Henry had given to de Poitiers. Diane de Poitiers only lived at Chaumont for a short while.

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The castle has been classified as a Monument historique since 1840 by the French Ministry of Culture. The Château de Chaumont is currently a museum and every year hosts a Garden Festival from April to October where contemporary garden designers display their work in an English-style garden.

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