The Scuola Grande di San Rocco houses the greatest single collection of paintings by Tintoretto anywhere in the world. The artist spent 23 years (1564–1587) covering the walls and ceilings of this confraternity building with a vast cycle of paintings from the Old and New Testaments — over 60 works in total, running across the ground floor sala, the great upper hall, and the smaller Sala dell'Albergo.
The effect is overwhelming. The upper hall alone, with its massive canvases depicting scenes from Exodus and the Gospels painted across a ceiling that tilts above you like a ship, is one of the greatest artistic environments in Italy. The museum provides mirrors on trolleys so you can view the ceiling paintings without craning your neck. Admission includes the neighbouring church, which has further Tintoretto and a Titian. Allow at least 90 minutes.