Basilica of Santa Croce

Religious spot

★ 4.8 (5K+ reviews) • 33K+ booked

The Basilica of Santa Croce is one of the most famous landmarks in Florence—and the largest Franciscan church in the world. Built in the shape of an Egyptian cross, it dates back to 1294 and was finished in the mid-1400s. When you walk through its grand doors, you're stepping into a piece of history that's over 700 years old. From famous tombs to stunning art, Santa Croce brings together the best of Florence’s history, religion, and culture in one incredible space. What makes the Basilica of Santa Croce stand out is its nickname: the “Pantheon of Florence.” That’s because so many famous Italians are buried here. You’ll find the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini, just to name a few. It's like walking through a hall of fame for Italian history and culture. But it's not just about who's buried here. Inside, you’ll see impressive art, like Giotto’s frescoes and Donatello’s wooden crucifix. Even if you’re not an art expert, the beauty and meaning behind these works are easy to appreciate. Many visitors say Santa Croce is a “must-see” for anyone visiting Florence.

Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Overview

Things to do

Hotels

4.8 /5

5K+ reviews

Read all reviews

Wong ****

11 Sep

The process is simple: after placing your order, go to the meeting point at the designated time and look for staff wearing yellow vests. They will give you your tickets and direct you to the queue. This package doesn't really include any services; I bought it on Klook simply because I couldn't get tickets on the official website. It was a bit more expensive, but the advantage of this package is that you can visit the attractions at your own pace within 3 days. Only the church tower climb has a specific time slot; you can arrange the other attractions yourself. The weather in September was nice and cool, and it was worth climbing to the top to enjoy the breeze and scenery. The museums have many exhibits, but I personally don't have much interest or understanding of art and historical culture.

Klook User

10 Sep

very nicely organized meeting point and quick access via the special skip the line entrance.

C *

8 Sep

professional guide. learn a lot. best is can skip the line and save a lot of time in exploring the area

클룩 회원

7 Sep

The audio guide really enhanced my museum visit. The overall museum overview and artwork descriptions were all excellent. It was also easy to navigate since the guide followed the exhibition order. Very satisfied!!

Klook User

2 Sep

This was my second time visiting this gallery, and honestly, I'd happily go a third time! I visited on a Sunday, and there were no lines. I think that's thanks to the e-ticket. I first approached the woman outside, who exchanged my e-ticket for a paper one, and everything went quickly and smoothly. I got the audio guide in Russian. It's not super detailed, but it's quite decent. Important note: you need to leave your passport or ID for the audio guide, and they only return it at the end. I didn't know that... luckily, I happened to have my passport with me. It took me exactly 2 hours to visit the entire gallery with a short break and a trip to the restroom. I didn't stop for too long at each painting, so in my opinion, 2 hours is the optimal time. If you want to examine each work carefully, allow 3-4 hours. My impressions are only positive.

Klook User

2 Sep

These tickets were more expensive than the direct ones but turned out very worth it because I decided to change out visit day meant we could get a refund. We booked again for the very next day and we were still about to get in for the 8:15 - 8:30 time slot which was no longer available on the official website.

Tam ********

17 Aug

Booking Florence Cathedral tickets through Klook was incredibly convenient. The guide was professional and engaging, and we avoided the long queues. Stepping inside the Cathedral, I was deeply impressed by the magnificent dome and exquisite frescoes. Climbing to the top, the panoramic view of Florence's red-tiled roofs was spectacular and unforgettable. The whole experience was relaxed and enjoyable.

MonaLiza *******

6 Aug

Reasonable and good way to explore the main spots of the city. It will allow you to absorb the general feel of the area and will let you explore specific interests in your own

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When was the Basilica of Santa Croce built?

Who designed the front of the Basilica of Santa Croce?

Is Dante really buried at the Basilica of Santa Croce?

What happened to Galileo’s burial at Santa Croce?

Is the Basilica of Santa Croce under renovation?

Why is there a Star of David on the Basilica of Santa Croce?

Are people really buried under the floor at Santa Croce?

Things to Do in Basilica of Santa Croce

Visit the Tombs of Italian Legends

Walk through the basilica and find the elaborate tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Each one is designed with beautiful sculptures that show what they were known for---like Astronomy and Geometry for Galileo.

Find Dante's Monument

You'll see a large structure that looks like Dante's tomb---but it's not. It's actually a cenotaph, which means his body isn't there. Dante is buried in Ravenna, but this monument honors his memory in Santa Croce.

Admire Giotto's Frescoes and Donatello's Work

Look for the famous frescoes by Giotto in the Bardi Chapel, and the wooden crucifix by Donatello (if not under restoration). Even if part of it is under renovation, the details that are visible are still worth seeing.

Tour the Museum and Cloisters

Right next to the church is the Museo dell'Opera di Santa Croce. It has amazing pieces like Cimabue's Crucifixion, which was damaged in a flood but still powerful to see. Don't miss the peaceful cloisters and the elegant Pazzi Chapel, designed in the Renaissance style.

Explore the Side Chapels

Some chapels, like the Baroncelli Chapel, have unique artwork you won't see anywhere else. These include some of the earliest night scenes ever painted in Western art.

Tips Before Visiting the Basilica of Santa Croce

Renovations are ongoing, so expect some areas to be blocked by scaffolding or lifts---especially near the ceiling and in certain chapels.

The Dante monument is not a real tomb. He's buried in Ravenna, but this spot honors him with a grand tribute.

Be respectful as you walk---many real tombs are underfoot, and people are buried beneath the elaborate floor slabs.

Learn a little history before you go! Stories like Michelangelo's body being smuggled back to Florence or Galileo being denied a proper burial make the visit even more interesting.

Popular Attractions Near Basilica of Santa Croce

Piazza de Santa Croce -- Just outside the basilica (0 minutes)

This open square is full of life. It's known for local festivals and the historic Calcio Fiorentino game---a mix of soccer and wrestling played in traditional costume.

Palazzo dell'Antella -- 1 minute walk

Located along the square, this building has faded but still fascinating frescoes. These murals once showed images of virtues and divine beauty.

Palazzo Cocchi Serristori -- 2 minutes away

Found at the opposite end of the square, this elegant building now holds court offices, but the architecture itself is worth a quick look.

Basilica of Santa Croce