Scuola
This page describes a typical Venetian scuola. For information pertaining to the scuole, see Scuole.
Often referred to in English as a confraternity, a scuola was a Catholic organization that members could join for devotion, charity, and community within a certain identity group. The scuola building was considered the organization's meetinghouse.
Background
The historic scuola buildings were typically associated with a church, as they were often built near one and sometimes even attached to one. The scuola grande buildings were grand and impressive, with wealthy members commissioning famous architects and artists to decorate their buildings. The scuole grandi were exceptionally powerful and stable institutions in Venice during the Renaissance. The scuola piccola buildings were much smaller and limited, as they often did not share the wealth and reputation of the scuole grandi. Some scuole piccole didn't even have a dedicated building and would instead meet inside their associated parish church. During the period of decline in Venice’s political and economic power between the 16th and 19th centuries, these scuola buildings contributed greatly to Venice's religious and cultural significance.
Structure
The scuola buildings were constructed under strict regulations. The buildings had to have two floors connected by a staircase, with a large room on each floor. The room on the ground floor was for religious ceremonies, while the room on the first floor was for meetings of the members. The room on the upper floor was known as the Chapter House.