Florence's principal Franciscan church is the pantheon of Italian greats, housing tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini. The massive Gothic interior is lined with chapels frescoed by Giotto, while the cloister complex includes Brunelleschi's Pazzi Chapel and a museum with Cimabue's flood-damaged Crucifix.
The Basilica di Santa Croce is Florence's largest Franciscan church, a vast Gothic structure begun in 1294. The neo-Gothic marble facade faces a wide piazza used annually for the Calcio Storico Fiorentino tournament. The interior, 115 metres long with an open timber ceiling, is lined with 16 significant funerary monuments. Among those buried or commemorated here are Michelangelo (whose tomb by Vasari on the south wall is the first encountered), Galileo Galilei, Niccolo Machiavelli, Gioachino Rossini, and Leon Battista Alberti. The most important artworks are the fresco cycles by Giotto and his school in the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels — among the earliest monumental fresco cycles in Western art history. The Pazzi Chapel at the end of the first cloister, attributed to Brunelleschi, is one of the finest small Renaissance buildings: a perfectly proportioned domed space with grey pietra serena stone. The museum contains Cimabue's monumental Crucifix, severely damaged in the 1966 Arno flood.
| Admission | Adult EUR 9.50-10 · Child Free under 12 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon-Sat 9:30AM-5:30PM; Sun 12:30PM-5:30PM |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings before 11AM |
| Getting there | 10-minute walk from Ponte Vecchio; bus C3 from Santa Maria Novella station |
| Address | Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy |
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- Best for
- art lovers, history buffs, architecture enthusiasts
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Location
Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
43.7685, 11.2623 View on map
Highlights
- Tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini — Italy's most celebrated funerary basilica
- Giotto's fresco cycles in the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels — among the earliest great Renaissance frescoes
- Brunelleschi's Pazzi Chapel — a perfect small Renaissance building in the first cloister
- Cimabue's Crucifix in the museum — a monumental Byzantine work damaged in the 1966 Arno flood
- Gothic interior 115 metres long with 16 monumental funerary monuments
Tips for visiting
- Michelangelo's tomb is immediately on the right after entering — the first monument visitors encounter
- The Pazzi Chapel in the cloister is a masterwork of Brunelleschi's early Renaissance architecture
- Cimabue's Crucifix in the museum was badly damaged in the 1966 Arno flood — still a powerful image
When to visit
Weekday mornings before 11am offer the quietest conditions. Sunday afternoon opens at 12:30pm with fewer visitors than weekday mornings.
Accessibility
The basilica has a level entrance from Piazza di Santa Croce. The main church floor is accessible by wheelchair. The cloister and museum have some uneven paving. The Pazzi Chapel is at ground level.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Santa Croce free to enter?
No. Admission is EUR 9.50-10 for adults. Children under 12 are free. The piazza outside is always free.
Is dress code required?
Yes. As an active church, visitors must cover shoulders and knees. A shawl is available at the entrance if needed.
How long should I allow for Santa Croce?
A thorough visit including basilica, Pazzi Chapel, cloisters, and museum takes 90 minutes to 2 hours.