Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a stunning building was built during the Renaissance period but displays traces of successive interventions up until the Baroque period. Scuola Grande di San Rocco is often used as a concert hall, and is next to the San Rocco Church with which it is often mistaken. It is dedicated to Rocco, who cured the sick during the 14th-century plague. The interior decoration of the school was entrusted to Jacopo Tintoretto, whose works, such as the Allegories, Life and Passion of Christ, and episodes from the Old and New Testaments can be admired. Among the most famous displays are The Annuciation, The Epiphany, and The Flight to Egypt. It is open throughout the year except for a few occasions.
Built in the 13th Century as a confraternity, Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista is a historic building. It is instantly eye-catching because of the large front entrance, which opens into a small courtyard. The construction is a mix of styles from the 14th to the late 15th Century. Renovated in the 17th Century, the hall of San Giovanni was built at this time, as was the monumental staircase and the Oratory of the Cross, which is next door. Nowadays, it is mostly used as a concert hall and can only be visited with a guide on selected days of the week. It hosts major cultural events, concerts, banquets and conferences.
Venice is a beautiful city not only because it is adorned with picturesque canals but also because it is home to some of the most wonderful architectural marvels of centuries past. One such piece of wonder is the San Giacomo di Rialto. If you are strolling around the Rialto Market, this high-rise clock is hard to miss as it is located above the tribunal, near the main entrance of the church. This is an extraordinary 24-hour clock and the original porch show influences of the Gothic style of architecture. The clock oozes a beautiful golden color when the sun goes down.
Established in 1792, Teatro La Fenice is regarded as one of the most respected venues in the history of Italian theater. Destroyed by fire three times, the theater was rebuilt, because of which it was named Teatro La Fenice (The Phoenix). Originally built by Gianantonio Selva, the later iterations were constructed by Tommaso and Giovanni Battista Meduna (1837) and Aldo Rossi (2003). Equipped with great acoustics, this premier opera house is among the best venues in town to watch superb opera performances, chamber music concerts, and ballets.
Home to the university since the 16th Century, the building dates back to the same time, and was then renovated in the 20th Century. The best preserved area is the interior courtyard, with its porticoes decorated with coats of arms of the noble families, to which the students belonged. It housed the first anatomical theater in the world (1594) and the desk of Galileo Galilei, teacher of mathematics. Hours vary as per season.
Host of the famous Venice Biennale Art Festival; Giardini della Biennale is a vast parkland located in the east of Venice. These gardens were created in the Napoleonic era by draining marsh land and today the garden consists of 30 permanent pavilions which are assigned to various countries. During the Venice Biennale Art Festival these pavilions are used by those particular countries for showcasing performances. The garden is worth a visit, even in the absence of the festival, for its winding paths, canopy of trees, and cute cats that run around.