Review: Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Tell me: What’s this place all about?Scuola Grande di San Rocco, an ornate Venetian "scuola" (the headquarters of a religious guild), is home to some of the Renaissance painter Tintoretto's best works, which cover the ceilings and walls of the building's two floors. Tickets are 10 euro, and there's no need to book ahead unless you're with a large group.

What’s it like being there?Every inch of this place is decorated: In addition to the more than 60 paintings depicting scenes from the bible, floors are a geometric array of polished stones, every molding is intricately carved and/or gilded, and every wrought-iron lamp is as big as a person. It's peak Renaissance, for sure, and people are generally looking around with dropped jaws and craned necks. Occasionally, the space hosts classical or choral concerts—check the website for upcoming shows.

Is there a guide involved?There are audio guides available for an extra three euros—helpful for making sense of the paintings and the history of the guild.

Who comes here?School groups, older tour groups, and Renaissance buffs. Because the building is devoted mostly to the work of a single artist and his followers, it doesn't attract the major crowds.

Did it meet expectations?It is one continuous masterpiece of one of the Renaissance's best-known artists and a peek into the history of Venetian "scuole."

So, then, what, or who, do you think it’s best for?If you're into the city's history, this is a must, even if you're just here for a quick tour of the major hits.