Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence
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Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence - by Jonathan Körner on Unsplash
Description
The Basilica di Santa Croce (meaning Holy Cross) is a large Franciscan church (115m long) built during the 14th century. It is the burial place of famous Italian artists and scientists such as Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli or Rossini. Besides the tombs and cenotaphs, the main features include a Tau cross floor plan (a symbol of St Francis), the 19th century façade, the high altar, and 16 chapels decorated with frescoes by Giotto. Possibly the best known of those is the Bardi chapel featuring the Stories of St. Francis and the Peruzzi Chapel depicting the Stories of St. John the Baptist and those of St. John the Evangelist. The Sacristy also contains several frescoes by preeminent artists of the Giotto school.
Access & Transport
The church is located 400m east of the Piazza della Signoria, in the eponymous Santa Croce neighbourhood. Buses C1, C3 and 23 stop nearby.
Instructions & Recommendations
At the time of this review update, due to some restoration work in the Bardi Chapel (expected to last until 2025), the Giotto frescoes with the Stories of Saint Francis were not visible. Visitors should dress conservatively.
Environmental & Social
The ongoing environmental footprint is low. Helps maintain the city's cultural, artistic and architectural heritages
Conclusion
One of the oldest and most important churches in Florence, the artistic center of the Renaissance, and it shows in the wealth of religious art and the names of illustrious Italians entombed there. Recommended to anyone with cultural inclinations.
Key positive
Plenty of artwork throughout the altars and the various chapels
Graves of Galileo and Michelangelo (inter alia) and various cenotaphs
Key negative
None
Suitability
No religious denomination restrictions but visitors should dress conservatively since it is a church. Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:1h
Monday09:30 - 17:30
Tuesday09:30 - 17:30
Wednesday09:30 - 17:30
Thursday09:30 - 17:30
Friday09:30 - 17:30
Saturday09:30 - 17:30
Sunday12:30 - 17:45
Max total number:4
Max number of adults:2
Min.child age:3
Max.child age:17
Price for family€16