Basilica of Santa Croce: Where Legends Rest in Florence
Description
Standing tall in Florence, Italy, the Basilica di Santa Croce isn't just a church, it's a pantheon. This Franciscan masterpiece, nicknamed the "Temple of the Italian Glories," is the final resting place for iconic Italians like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Walk its halls and marvel at Giotto's frescoes, or stand in the piazza where legends rest, all within 800 meters of the Duomo's awe-inspiring presence. Don't miss this treasure trove of art and history on your Florentine adventure.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Step into the Piazza di Santa Croce, where the legendary Calcio Storico explodes every June! Our journey begins at the Basilica, a treasure trove of Renaissance art. Inside, marvel at frescoes by Gaddi in the Cappella Maggiore, depicting the story of Santa Croce itself. Admire Giotto's masterful scenes from the lives of St. Francis and St. John in the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels. Look left of the entrance for the inspiring memorial to playwright Niccolini, a forerunner of the Statue of Liberty. As we walk, learn about Donatello's jewel-like crucifix, a Renaissance masterpiece. Brunelleschi's harmonious Cappella de' Pazzi will leave you awestruck by its architectural perfection. We'll see the monumental cemetery, where restoration has brought flood-damaged paintings back to life. Stepping outside, admire the polychrome marble façade. Our tour concludes with the Bell Tower, Crypt, and all 16 chapels, taking about an hour. Feel free to revisit any highlights at your leisure!
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note if "Wine Tasting" option is selected the Santa Croce Guided Tour operating at 10:30am or 3:00pm will initially start later followed by the wine tasting tour at Meeting Point 02.
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- Please note that the tour requires a minimum number of two guests to run.
- Please note that if you arrive after the tour start time you will not be able to join and will not be refunded or have your tour rescheduled.
- There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- A refusal of entry due to inappropriate dress code, the tour will not be rescheduled or refunded.
- If Wine Tasting Option Selected - In case of intolerance or allergies, alert us when booking and before the tour to avoid any inconvenience.
Reviews(11)
Our guide was so knowledgeable. He knew everything about the church and what was in it. Such a great tour.
Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a great experience on the Santa Croce Church Guided Tour. Our guides take great pride in sharing their deep knowledge of this historic site, and we’re delighted that you found the tour informative and enjoyable. We hope to welcome you back for more enriching tours in the future!
For €8 you can visit this Gothic church where its main interest is to house the tombs of several of the main and emblematic Florentine characters (Miguel Angel, Dante, ..), apart from works by the greatest representatives of the Renaissance. Nice cloisters and spectacular altarpiece. Important as in almost all churches that women wear shoulder and leg covers...
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful review of the Santa Croce Church Guided Tour. We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the remarkable art and history within the Basilica, especially the tombs of Florence's most iconic figures and the stunning Renaissance works. The beauty of the cloisters and the altarpiece truly adds to the experience. We appreciate your mention of the dress code, as it is indeed important to respect the dress requirements when visiting such historical and sacred sites. We hope to welcome you back on your next visit to Florence for more discoveries!
Silvia had a wonderful personality and made the tour both informative and memorable. We enjoyed the whole experience.
The tour was postponed by a day, moving it to the following day. We were only in Florence that one day. We were disappointed. I truly hope we get our money back.
Dear Customer, On that day, San Corece closed without informing Santa Croce management. We are really sorry. We can't do anything. Again sorry for the inconvenience.
They cancel our tour and change by the afternoon. Zero comunication. Very bad service. I need my money refound
Dear Customer, As our company did not cancel any tour. Please provide the Booking reference number to check your booking. This booking is not with us.
Our tour guide was witty, knowledgeable and a great story teller. Would definitely recommend. Santa Croce is beautiful and full of history. The one hour tour was perfect.
We arrive today at 11am to see the Basilica but we are told that the opening is at 1pm. We had arrived yesterday to see the wonderful Florence and had reserved to see Santa Croce before leaving. Obviously all blown. Scandalous to open at 13.!
Thank you for your kind Review. Sometimes the Church not mentioning Open time. These decisions Church management. We are sorry for your inconvenience.
The lady who conducted our tour was great and the Santa Croce Basilica is the most impressive church in Florence.
Courteous staff who oversee the decorous clothing of patrons (since it is a church no short shirts and tank tops and shorts not crotch). Under 12 years free. Map with the placement of the graves of the great at the entrance and most prestigious works. Cloister very airy and in short everything to enjoy calmly. I also liked the teenage daughter all say.
