The Basilica of Santa Croce is Florence’s principal Franciscan church, founded in the late 13th century, construction began in 1294 under Arnolfo di Cambio and continued through the 14th century, giving the building its expansive Gothic nave and chapels. Its striking white-and-green marble façade is a 19th-century neo-Gothic restoration that overlays the medieval structure.
Santa Croce is best known as the “Temple of the Italian Glories”: tombs and monuments commemorate luminaries such as Michelangelo (cenotaph), Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini, while the chapels contain major fresco cycles by Giotto and others, Renaissance altar pieces, and notable leather workshops and craft displays in the adjoining convent buildings. Allow 1–2 hours to see the main tombs, frescoes, and museum rooms; tickets often include access to cloisters and the leather school, and modest dress is requested inside the basilica.
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Other Sights
Florence
Florence, often regarded as the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a dazzling city that exudes art, culture, and history at every turn. Nestled in the picturesque Tuscany region, it captivates visitors with its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant streets filled with life. The historical center of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known…
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