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 (16 days 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 (19 days 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 (40 days 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 (48 days 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 (5 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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Photo from Flickr, copyright szeke

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Church of Our Lady before Týn

The Church of Our Lady before Týn is a dominant feature of the Old Town of Prague and has been the main church of this part of the city since the 14th century. The church's towers are 80 m high and topped by four small spires.

In the 11th century, this area was occupied by a Romanesque church, which was built there for foreign merchants coming to the nearby Týn Courtyard. Later it was replaced by an early Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn in 1256. Construction of the present church began in the 14th century in the late Gothic style under the influence of Matthias of Arras and later Peter Parler. By the beginning of the 15th century, construction was almost complete; only the towers, the gable and roof were missing. The church was controlled by Hussites for two centuries, including John of Rokycan, future archbishop of Prague, who became the church's vicar in 1427. The roof was completed in the 1450s, while the gable and northern tower were completed shortly thereafter during the reign of George of Poděbrady (1453–1471). His sculpture was placed on the gable, below a huge golden chalice, the symbol of the Hussites. The southern tower was not completed until 1511, under architect Matěj Rejsek.

After the lost Battle of White Mountain (1620) began the era of harsh recatholicisation (part of the Counter-Reformation). Consequently, the sculptures of 'heretic king' George of Poděbrady and the chalice were removed in 1626 and replaced by a sculpture of the Virgin Mary, with a giant halo made from by melting down the chalice. In 1679 the church was struck by lightning, and the subsequent fire heavily damaged the old vault, which was later replaced by a lower baroque vault.

Renovation works carried out in 1876–1895 were later reversed during extensive exterior renovation works in the years 1973–1995. Interior renovation is still in progress.

The northern portal is a wonderful example of Gothic sculpture from the Parler workshop, with a relief depicting the Crucifixion. The main entrance is located on the church's western face, through a narrow passage between the houses in front of the church.

The early baroque altarpiece has paintings by Karel Škréta from around 1649. The oldest pipe organ in Prague stands inside this church. The organ was built in 1673 by Heinrich Mundt and is one of the most representative 17th-century organs in Europe.

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Church of Our Lady before Týn

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