Great School of St. John the Ev.

SCUOLA GRANDE DI SAN GIOVANNI EVANGELISTA

Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista is one of the oldest and most important confraternities in Venice. It was founded in 1261 and functioned as an association of citizens mainly devoted to religion and charitable activities.

At the beginning, it did not have a permanent headquarters: it was located near a church, and only in the 14th century did it move to the San Polo area, where it still stands today.

Over time, it became one of the Scuole Grandi, the most prestigious confraternities in Venice, and its headquarters was gradually expanded and enriched.

Inside, there were works by famous artists such as Giovanni Bellini and Vittore Carpaccio. The building itself was developed over centuries, combining different styles including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.

In the early 19th century, during the period of Napoleon Bonaparte, all these confraternities were suppressed, and the Scuola lost its assets.

Later, it was restored and revived. Today, it is still active, mainly as a cultural venue: it can be visited and hosts events, exhibitions, and concerts.

In essence, it was once a kind of social and religious center of historical Venice, and today it remains an important historic building.