The Basilica di Santa Croce, on Piazza Santa Croce about 800 m southeast of the Duomo, is the largest Franciscan church in the world. As the burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and other Italian luminaries, it is known as the "Temple of the Italian Glories." It is also a treasury of early Renaissance art, including Giotto's frescoes and Brunelleschi's Pazzi Chapel.
Tomb of Michelangelo — designed by Giorgio Vasari, with three female figures at the base representing Painting, Sculpture and Architecture
Tomb of Galileo — condemned by the Church, he was denied burial in consecrated ground at first and only officially moved here in 1737, nearly a century after his death
Giotto's frescoes — the St. Francis cycle in the Bardi Chapel and the scenes in the Peruzzi Chapel are regarded as the summit of his painting
Pazzi Chapel — a pure Renaissance space designed by Brunelleschi, adorned with glazed terracotta roundels by Luca della Robbia
Cimabue's Crucifix — kept in the refectory, it lost about 60% of its painted surface in the catastrophic 1966 flood of the Arno
Good to know
RulesA dress code applies inside the church: shoulders and knees must be covered. Free disposable cover-ups are available at the entrance if needed.
CautionIn and around the square, vendors may tie a bracelet or hand you a 'gift' and then demand money, or claim you stepped on a print laid on the ground and pressure you to buy it. Don't accept items from strangers and decline firmly.
SafetyThe busy square and church draw pickpockets. Wear bags across the body with zips closed, keep valuables out of sight, and carry your wallet in a front pocket rather than the back.
RulesThe ticket office closes before the basilica itself (e.g. about 30 minutes earlier). Even with a ticket you may not enter after the office closes, so arrive with time to spare. Verify exact times before you go.
SeasonThe complex closes on religious holidays including Jan 1, Easter, June 13 (St. Anthony), Oct 4 (St. Francis), and Dec 25-26. Check current opening status before visiting.
MannersSightseeing is restricted during Mass and prayer; visitors coming to pray or worship enter free through a separate entrance. Keep quiet inside and follow photography rules.
Practical info
Adult admission is around €10 and covers the tombs, cloisters and museum (a small booking fee applies online; prices and hours should be verified for the latest). The entrance and ticket office are on the north side at Largo Bargellini. It is an easy walk from the Duomo.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
