Scuola Grande di San Marco
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On the north side of the Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo stands the Scuola Grande di San Marco. The Scuola, which included many of Venice's leading citizens as its members, was held in the very highest regard, exerting huge influence and power throughout its long life.
It was founded in 1260, but only moved to this site in the middle of the 15th century. In 1485 the building burned down, but was rebuilt to a design by Pietro Lombardo. The magnificent façade is the work of Mauro Codussi. The main portal, which is the work of Giovanni Buora, incorporates a relief by Bartolomeo Bon, which survived the fire. The Sala Capitolare (in which the members of the scuola met) and the Sala dell'Albergo (where the ruling board of the scuola held their meetings) have now, after a long period of restoration, reopened to the public and should not, on any account, be missed. For the last 200 years the Scuola Grande di San Marco has been part of Venice's main hospital. |
Scuola Grande di San Marco
Relief of Saint Mark and the Confratelli by Bartolomeo Bon
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