A slew of events attends the quincentenary of one of Venice’s most beloved old masters. Jacopo Robisti, better known as Tintoretto, was born in Venice in 1518 (though the exact date is unknown). To celebrate the 500th anniversary of his birth, Venice and other cities around the world are preparing some pretty special events.

Getting the party started is Venezia Arte, a non-profit cultural association, which is organising monthly guided tours around the city focusing on the churches containing the artist’s works and even visiting the artist’s home. First on the itinerary is the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, containing over sixty works by Tintoretto and dedicated to St Roch. Tintoretto spent over twenty years working in the Scuola, so it is a fitting place to start the celebrations.