The Basilica of Santa Croce, also known as the Basilica of the Holy Cross, is the biggest Franciscan church in the world and is considered one of the finest examples of Italian Gothic architecture. One of the most popular monuments in Florence, the Santa Croce complex comprises of various buildings, including the Basilica, a small museum, cloisters, a chapel and sacristy.

Known as the Temple of the Italian Glories, it is the resting place of some of Italy’s most significant people, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini and many more. The mausoleum has hundreds of tombs dating from the fourteenth to the nineteenth century.

The construction of the current Basilica started in 1294, on the same site where a small chapel had previously been built. The church is built according to the plan of an Egyptian cross and features an open timber roof. The interior is divided into three naves, a chancel and a transept full of chapels. The church’s beautiful neo-gothic marble façade was added in the 19th century and features different types of marble from Tuscany and Egypt.

Take a guided tour of the Basilica and learn about the magnificent art inside the church. Many of the interior walls of the Basilica’s chapels are decorated with beautiful frescoes by Giotto and his followers, Taddeo Gaddi and his son Agnolo Gaddi. Admire the array of masterpieces from many other great Italian artists such as, Donatello, Brunelleschi, Vasari, Canova.

The Basilica is located on the Piazza di Santa Croce, one of the most atmospheric areas of Florence, in the heart of the historical city centre. The Basilica is easily reached by foot or by public transport.