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Between Prosperity and Crisis
The 15th century was not only a time of flourishing for Venice, but also one of significant challenges.
While the Republic built the so-called Stato da Terra from the beginning of the 15th century by conquering large parts of the North Italian mainland—thereby expanding its power (which, naturally, did not sit well with the other European powers at all!)—these numerous military campaigns simultaneously led to enormous war expenditures.
Furthermore, the political balance in Europe was shaken when the Ottomans accomplished in 1453 what no one before them had managed: the conquest of Constantinople and the destruction of the Eastern Roman Empire. Constantinople was considered virtually impregnable, and its fall naturally caused turmoil throughout Europe and fear for the future, as the threat posed by a new, foreign superpower (the Ottomans) became alarmingly real.
Recurring plague epidemics also presented a major challenge not only to the "Floating City," but to all of Europe. Since the Black Death was frequently brought in via maritime trade, Venice developed groundbreaking measures to protect its population: With the establishment of the first lazaretto in 1423 (a quarantine island) and a second quarantine island in 1468, Europe's earliest systematic quarantine system was born.
Yet, despite war, plagues, and growing competition, Venice remained a hub of trade, innovation, and culture. Toward the end of the century, numerous foreign printers in Venice boosted the dissemination of knowledge, further cementing the city's reputation as a major intellectual and economic center of the Renaissance.
The Saint and the Thieves
Now, it was only natural for the Venetian population to turn to the only entity that could offer them some hope: No, not the Doge. The Saints!
In an era when many diseases and natural phenomena could not yet be scientifically explained and were often seen as a punishment from God, people sought solace in religion and faith: During times of plague epidemics, Saint Sebastian—and later, above all, Saint Roch—became the most important source of comfort for the people of Venice.
Roch was likely born around the year 1295 in Montpellier, France: he was the long-awaited son of a wealthy couple. After his parents died, he gave away his possessions and set off for Italy as a pilgrim. During his journey to Rome, he is said to have cared for the sick in several cities, healing them through prayer and the sign of the cross!
However, Roch then suffered a stroke of fate himself and fell ill with the plague. Rather than infecting his fellow human beings with this terrible disease, legend has it that he withdrew into a forest. There, God provided for him by causing a freshwater spring to bubble up (so he had enough to drink!). Furthermore, every single day, a man's dog (named Gotthard) brought him bread that it had stolen from its master's table. And lo and behold: Roch was healed and able to return to society!
This happy ending gave people hope: The plague was not a definitive death sentence; it could be overcome. Following Saint Roch's example—meaning self-quarantining and making that sacrifice—would be rewarded with life! One simply had to trust in God (and the Republic of Venice!).
When the Confraternity of Saint Roch was officially founded in the Lagoon City in 1478 following a severe plague outbreak in 1477, it naturally attracted a large number of members who hoped to be saved by Saint Roch.
This intense devotion to the saint subsequently tempted the Venetians to commit a crime:
The relics of Saint Roch were summarily stolen by the Venetians from Voghera and brought to Venice to boost the cult surrounding the saint!
Does that sound familiar? Exactly! The city's patron, Saint Mark the Evangelist, was also stolen by the Venetians... though from Alexandria. Once the relics of this popular saint (Roch) were in the city, the cult surrounding Saint Roch grew steadily and unstoppably. This led to the confraternity having so many members (and membership fees in its coffers) that they could afford not only a church, but also a new headquarters—which was decorated with a spectacular cycle of paintings by none other than the famous artist Jacopo Tintoretto.
What Is a Confraternity Anyway?
In medieval and Renaissance Venice, a confraternity (known as a Scuola) was a religious and charitable brotherhood in which citizens united with a common goal.
In Venice, some confraternities were very wealthy and influential. They owned their own buildings, financed works of art, and commissioned prominent artists. A famous example is the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, which is dedicated to Saint Roch (and IS to this day, as the confraternity still exists!). It was particularly devoted to helping plague victims, while also supporting the poor, widows, and orphans in general.
Confraternities were thus a vital part of Venetian society: They combined religion, social care, community, and art patronage, fulfilling roles that are often carried out today by state or non-profit organizations.
The End of the Confraternities
With the conquest of Venice by France in 1797, not only did the history of the Republic of Venice and the Doges come to an end, but also the centuries-old tradition of many Venetian confraternities. The French administration dissolved the confraternities, confiscated their assets, and transferred their artwork into state ownership. As a result, many of these communities lost the social and charitable functions they had exercised since the Middle Ages.
An exception is the Scuola Grande di San Rocco: The Confraternity of Saint Roch exists to this day and continues to dedicate itself to preserving its historical heritage, maintaining its art collection, and honoring its original mission—helping the needy and the sick. Its magnificent headquarters in Venice, featuring the famous paintings by Jacopo Tintoretto, is considered today one of the most significant testaments to the Venetian Renaissance/Mannerism and is often referred to by many as the "Sistine Chapel" of Venice.
Wanna join me on a guided tour through the Scuola Grande di San Rocco? Than have a look at my tour "The Frari Basilica and the Sixtine Chapel of Venice".
And Today?
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco continues its tradition to this day, organizing the Feast of Saint Roch (Festa di San Rocco) every year on August 16th, the saint's feast day.
2026 Program of Saint Roth Festivity on the 16th of August 2026
11:00 AM – Church of Saint Roch
Mass in honor of Saint Roch, celebrated by Bishop Giampaolo Crepaldi, Bishop of Trieste, preceded by a solemn procession from the Scuola Grande di San Rocco to the church.
Musical accompaniment: Choir of the Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Followed by: Presentation of the 2026 Saint Roch Award
1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Tour of the Scuola Grande
(Last admission at 5:00 PM)
(€2 donation for charitable causes)
