I will not lie. She is way too crowded, and these are some of the reasons why.
These are ceiling shots of the Scuola Grande di San Rocco which opened in 1478 and was named after the patron saint of plague victims. The scuola (school) was a brotherhood of citizens devoted to charitable welfare.
Tintoretto was eventually a member of the brotherhood, and his paintings cover much of the interiors.
How this happened is interesting. There was a competition among artists (including Veronese), to determine who would paint the interiors. They were asked to submit sketches. While the other artists busily worked on their sketches, Tintoretto, installed one of his completed paintings in the scuola. (1) The result is history!
Titian also has artwork here.
This is the adjacent Chiesa San Rocco, a Venetian version of a modest little chapel.
They take churches very seriously in Venice. There are 139 of them! They provide a weary tourist wonderful respite from “the madding crowd.”
Cheers to you from Venice and her stunning quiet corners~
(1) http://www.scuolagrandesanrocco.org/home-en/tintoretto/sala-dell-albergo/
Tag: Venice Photographs
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari~
Is one of the greatest “minor” basilicas in Venice, which of course, is saying quite a lot. Building began in 1250. This is the entry way.
This photo, and the next, show the woodwork in the choir stalls, with the organ pipes above.
Think for a minute what it would sound like to hear the organ and the choir sing in these stalls, as you sat in the church, in say 1400.
In the cathedral are two works by the 16th century master Titian, as well as Donatello’s first painting. They were magnificent, but what struck me most was this piece from Paola Veneziano, depicting the Madonna with saints. I knew little of Veneziano and had to google him. All that is known about him is the artwork he created between 1333-1358. His work represents, “an amazing balance between his Byzantine training and the romantic influences of northern Europe.” (Wiki)
It was the influence of Byzantine mosaic in this piece that caught my attention.
The interior is an amazing example of how architecture, art, and reverence, can create an environment that has soothed human souls for hundreds of years.
The painted, wooden art in the basilica is remarkable. This horse and rider made of painted wood, was the first of its type ever made in Venice, and depicts a Roman Prince.
This wooden clock was carved in 1630 by the artist Stefano Panatta.
There are many beautiful pieces of very old furniture in the basilica like this pew and wood painted fresco, of unknown origin.
Cheers to you from the sacred serenity of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari~
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Venice Reflected~
Oh Venice, you are so wonderful, and so overcrowded with tourists!
It is hard to fully appreciate you, amongst the hordes.
Avoiding the main tourist draws is the only way to be alone in Venice, and it is still quite a challenge to find quiet spots.
We were here in the first week in April and the crowds were significantly problematic. I can only imagine summertime.
I would recommend visiting Venice, if you want to, in the off-off season.
Several years ago we visited in winter and there were no crowds, even in Piazza San Marco. It is also much less expensive.
It is cold in winter, but so lovely to see Venice as she should be seen, in all her solitary glory, with locals who are actually happy to see you.
Cheers to you from amazing, but crowded Venice~
