The Church of San Rocco, situated beside the homonymous School, was initially designed by Bartolomeo Bon and its construction started in 1489. Since its interiors were remodelled by Scalfarotto in XVIII century, the interior (a sole nave) and the exterior look different from the initial project.
St. Roch, whose relics rest in the church was declared a patron saint of the city in 1576 and every year, on his feast day (16 August), the Doge made a pilgrimage to the church.
Near the church is the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, noted for its numerous Tintoretto paintings. It was founded in the 15th century as a confraternity to assist the citizens in time of plague.
The church interior is notable for its Tintoretto paintings found in the sala dell’Albergo including:
- Annunciation and St Roch presented to the Pope on west wall.
- St. Roch taken to Prison (attributed) and The Pool of Bethesda on south wall of the nave.
- St. Roch curing the plague victims, St. Roch comforted by an Angel, St. Roch in Solitude and St. Roch healing the Animals (attributed) in chancel.
- St. Christopher and St Martin on Horseback by Pordenone hang on north wall of the nave.
Also present are a monument to Pellegrino Baselli Grillo (1517) and a statue of St. Roch by Bartolomeo Bon.
The church can be visited every day from 8am to 12.30 p.m. and from 3p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
