Scuola Grande di San Marco

What makes it special

First Scuola Grande

Founded as the Scuola dei Battuti in 1260, the institution later became so influential that, in 1437, it adopted the name of the city's patron saint.

Exquisite facade

The ground floor of the facade features unique trompe-l'œil sculpted archways and portals crafted from various types of marble.

Sala Capitolare

The Chapter Hall boasts a spectacular gilded ceiling and large paintings from the original decorative cycle.

Medical Museum

Since the building is now part of the Civic Hospital of Venice, it symbolically hosts a small museum featuring medical instruments and antique medical books.

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Why visit Scuola di San Marco

In addition to experiencing the grand interior, you'll be impressed by the evolution of medicine since ancient times.

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Connect the dots

• The original art

  Some of the original paintings, such as Tintoretto's 'Saint Mark rescuing the slave' (1548), can be seen at Gallerie dell'Accademia.

  See all Scuole Grandi

• San Marco

  Mark the Evangelist is the patron saint of Venice and the Lion of Saint Mark is the city's symbol.

  Who was Saint Mark?

• The 7 Scuole Grandi

  These art-filled confraternity buildings are scattered all throughout Venice.

  Explore the Scuole Grandi