The Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni, located in the Castello district of Venice, is a historic building with a fascinating story. Founded in the mid-15th century, this confraternity was established by the Dalmatian community in Venice, mainly sailors and merchants, who were known as the "Schiavoni" (Slavs). The primary objective of this Scuola (which means "school" but was more of a social and devotional confraternity) was to provide assistance to its members, particularly in times of sickness and death. The Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni gained importance in the late 15th century when it was patronized by the Venetian Doge, Pietro Mocenigo. The building was completely renovated between 1551 and 1552. The exterior is rather simple and unassuming, a typical feature of Venetian Scuole. However, the interior tells a different story. Inside, the Scuola is home to a series of precious artworks by the renowned painter Vittore Carpaccio. Carpaccio, a master of the Venetian school, was commissioned in 1502 to create a cycle of nine paintings depicting the lives of the patron saints of the confraternity: St. George, St. Tryphon, and St. Jerome. These paintings, full of symbolic elements and minute details, are considered among Carpaccio's greatest masterpieces. The most famous of these is probably "St. George and the Dragon", where the saint is shown in the act of killing the dragon, against the backdrop of a detailed and atmospheric representation of a city. There's also the painting of "St. Jerome in His Study", a serene and contemplative scene depicting the saint immersed in his readings, surrounded by a wealth of objects and animals symbolizing different virtues. The Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni, with its rich history and artistic treasures, offers a unique glimpse into the life of the Dalmatian community in Venice during the Renaissance period. This little gem, often overlooked by most tourists, is a must-visit for anyone seeking to understand the social and cultural fabric of Venice's past. The artwork inside, combined with the historical significance of the Scuola, makes it not just a place of artistic interest, but a monument that bears witness to the multicultural history of Venice, a city built on trade and exchange with different cultures and communities.