The Scuola Grande di San Rocco
The guilds of Venice started in medieval times as artisans got together to help protect and promote their industry. As with almost everything in Venice, the state soon got involved and a system was created in which the guilds were set up officially, with statutes (mariegole) approved by the government and lodged in the state archives (where they remain to this day). In the 16th century guild membership became compulsory for all artisans and shopkeepers and the guilds were given the responsibility to provide soldiers and sailors from among their membership in time of war.
Each guild, or arte had a headquarters, often in a church, but the larger and more important guilds had their own building known as a scuola. These buildings were used for meetings and ceremonies and were often decorated by famous artists. The guilds charged their members fees but membership of a guild also acted as a form of social security. Needy members received medical assistance and sometimes housing from the guild and often the guild paid for their funerals.
Saint Roch or Rocco is specially invoked against the plague.
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco
The guilds of Venice started in medieval times as artisans got together to help protect and promote their industry. As with almost everything in Venice, the state soon got involved and a system was created in which the guilds were set up officially, with statutes (mariegole) approved by the government and lodged in the state archives (where they remain to this day). In the 16th century guild membership became compulsory for all artisans and shopkeepers and the guilds were given the responsibility to provide soldiers and sailors from among their membership in time of war.
Each guild, or arte had a headquarters, often in a church, but the larger and more important guilds had their own building known as a scuola. These buildings were used for meetings and ceremonies and were often decorated by famous artists. The guilds charged their members fees but membership of a guild also acted as a form of social security. Needy members received medical assistance and sometimes housing from the guild and often the guild paid for their funerals.
Saint Roch or Rocco is specially invoked against the plague.