Venice Intangible Heritage is about the traditions and the living expressions inherited from our ancestors. This private guided tour illustrates  some important social and political aspects of the the old Venetian Republic, which, in part, survived to the downfall of Venice. Active testimonies of social activities from the past are  the so called Scuole (guilds).  They were great religious and charitable fraternities known as “Scuole Grandi”, which contributed to the assistance of the poors and the sicks.

From the high Middle Ages Venetian used the term “scuola” to denote several forms of religious society among the laity. These included charity and relief to the poor among a variety of other religious, econonomic, political and social tasks. Furthermore, lay fraternities are of considerable interest since they played  an important role in the patronage of Venetian artists. As a result, the Scuole preserves incredible works of art, and they are some of the best museums in Venice.

The tour Venice Intangible Heritage will take you firstly to see the Scuola Grande di San Rocco founded in 1478. The seat of the Scuola still preserves  the original decoration: one of the most important cycles of  Italian painting . This considered the richest collection of Tintoretto’s works of art, known also as Tintoretto’s Sistin Chapel. While you enter the Scuola you’ll will notice  the impact of the fervent, and visionary artistic personality of Tintoretto.

The Scuola Grande dei Carmini was originally a fraternity of women known as the “pinzocchere dei Carmini” (Carmelite zealots), who carried a scapular (two strips of cloth hung over the shoulder and tied by strings) showing the image of the Virgin Mary.

Especially relevant is the decoration of the upper hall of the building, where the fame of this Scuola lies in today. Nine impressive ceiling paintings by Giambattista Tiepolo, the greatest artist of the 18th C., enrich the room.

Both Scuole are still active today, and their activities represent the living heritage of Venice.

DURATION: 2 hours

THE PRICE OF VENICE INTANGIBLE HERITAGE TOUR INCLUDES:

• the service of a certified tour guide
• admission to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco
• admission to the Scuola Grande dei Carmini