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Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence

4.7

#5 of 115 in Historic Sites in Florence

Historic Site Church

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The burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians, Basilica of Santa Croce holds the tombs of such luminaries as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini. The city's principal and the world's largest Franciscan church, the building was completed in 1385. The site's most notable features are its 16 chapels, many decorated with frescoes painted by Giotto and his pupils. The building's design reflects the austere approach favored by the Franciscans, with the floor plan following the figure of the Tau cross (the shape of the letter T), which was the symbol of St. Francis. The church's main cloister houses a simple, unadorned chapel designed by architect Filippo Brunelleschi. Choose from several guided tour options; advance reservations are required. General admission tickets can be purchased at the onsite ticket office, by phone, or online. A visit to Basilica of Santa Croce represents just the start of the adventure when you use our Florence trip itinerary builder app to plot your vacation.

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Basilica of Santa Croce Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

8,876 reviews

Google

4.7

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4.7

1 likes

• By 100Leoni

  This church is really unique and worth seeing. There are tombes all throughout the church, some of famous people.  more »

• By JasonW11

  This place is almost like a walled and roofed-in cemetary, housing dozens of tombs, both in the floors and along the walls. Michaelangelo, Galileo, and Machievelli just to name a few. Worth a stop.  more »

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Google

• By Patten Welding

  This is a great church to visit not because of the beautiful cathedral. The church is very typical in Italy. What make this church famous is the most famous people in Florence bury here. It is know as temple glory with many glorious people in one place.The know people in the world who are bury there including great artist Michelangelo and Leonardo DaVinci

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• By K. Paige Engle

  Santa Croce is so stunning from the square. It's unique 5 point star on the facade is breathtaking. Definitely a stop on any itinerary. One of the points of interest for is that there are famous Italians buried here (kind of like Westminister Abbey) so be sure to see if someone you admire is laid to rest here. Also before entering check to see if any exhibits are closed as was the case during our visit.

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