Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista
The basics
One of the most important attractions in Venice’s San Polo sestiere (district), the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista was originally established in the church of San Aponal in 1261, but moved to its present location in 1307. The best way to visit is by joining a San Polo walking tour that includes skip-the-line tickets to the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista complex, as well as the nearby Scuola Grande di San Rocco and other district highlights such as St. Mary of the Friars, San Giacomo di Rialto, and Campo San Polo.
Things to know before you go
- San Polo walking tours that include a visit at the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista require a significant amount of time on your feet, so wear comfortable shoes.
- A bookshop and restrooms are available at the Scuola.
- Opening hours of the Scuola may vary due to private events held at the complex and closures due to high tide flooding.
- The complex is partially accessible to wheelchair users. Reach out in advance for the best access.
How to get there
To get to the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista, cross the Rialto Bridge from the San Marco side of the Grand Canal, or take the water bus (vaporetto) to the San Tomà stop.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista hosts a number of private events, during which the complex is closed to visitors; confirm opening dates and times in advance. The complex is located in an area of Venice that is often hit by flooding during high tides (aqua alta), and closes when water levels reach 40 inches (100 cm) above sea level.
Treasures in the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista
The Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Battista was one of Venice’s many Scuole Grandi established by religious confraternities primarily for charitable purposes. Palaces of the Scuole Grandi typically include a large hall on the main floor and smaller but no less ornate meeting rooms on the upper floor, and the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Battista complex includes the palace, adjacent church, and two courtyards. Interiors are decorated with masterpieces by Venetian artists including Palma Giovane, Tintoretto, Tiepolo, and Longhi. In addition, visitors can see the 14th-century Venetian Gothic reliquary containing two fragments of the True Cross, the palace’s magnificent marble floors, the Hall of Columns, the grand staircase, and the 15th-century marble septum by Pietro Lombardo.
- Frari Church (Basilica dei Frari)
- Frari Church (Basilica dei Frari)
- Scuola Grande di San Rocco
- San Polo
- Santa Croce
- Mocenigo Palace (Palazzo Mocenigo)
- Grand Canal
- Campo Santa Margherita
- Ca' Rezzonico
- Venice Santa Lucia Station (Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia)
- Rialto Fish Market (Mercato di Rialto)
- Campo San Luca
- Ca' d'Oro (Palazzo Santa Sofia)
- Church of San Vidal (Chiesa di San Vidal)
- Venice Music Museum (Museo della Musica)