Scuola dei Varoteri, Venetian guildhall in Campo Santa Margherita, Italy
The Scuola dei Varoteri is a two-story brick structure decorated with Renaissance reliefs that face onto Campo Santa Margherita. The facade displays the typical style of Venetian guild buildings, with carved stone elements that mark the second floor.
The building was founded as a confraternity in 1311 and relocated to this site in 1725 after operating elsewhere. This move from Cannaregio represented a major shift in how trade organizations distributed themselves across the city.
The marble relief of the Madonna della Misericordia on the second floor dates to the early 1500s and originally belonged to the guild's church. It reflects how deeply religious practice was woven into the professional lives of guild members.
The building sits directly on the large Campo Santa Margherita square, making it easy to spot while exploring the area. It remains accessible throughout the year and forms a natural stopping point when visiting this central plaza.
Among the nearly four hundred guildhalls that once existed in Venice, this one stands out for maintaining its independent status rather than being absorbed into other buildings. Its location in the middle of the large square makes it a rare visible reminder of the many trades that shaped the city.
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