Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence: tickets, prices, times

Would you like to discover the beautiful city of Florence soon? Don’t miss one of his jewels, the Basilica of Santa Croce!

The largest Franciscan church in the world, the Basilica Santa Croce Florence is one of the wonders of the Italian city. It contains many treasures, to the extent that the discomfort of which was a victim Stendhal after his visit to the Basilica in 1817 as a result of the extraordinary beauty of the monument. Visiting the Basilica of Santa Croce of Florence leaves no one indifferent.

This building is one of the symbols of the power of the Florentine city, and many travellers rush every year to its doors, to admire its facade, statues, chapels and other windows. But the basilica Santa Croce Florence also has the nickname “Pantheon of Florence” since it houses almost 300 tombs, some of which are the most important names of Italian history.

But what to see and do when you come to visit the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence? The editorial reveals everything you need to know to prepare your coming!

History of the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence

The story of the Basilica of Santa Croce began a very long time ago. This is first linked to a small church erected in 1252 by Franciscans, following the death of Saint François d’Assisi . The building of this Basilica began in 1294 on the foundations of the small Franciscan church.

It is the architect Anolfo di Cambio which is chosen to draw the plans of what will be the future basilica. After its construction, the building quickly became one of the symbols of a successful Florence through the centuries.

The history of the basilica and that of the city are very related. For seven centuries it has been completed, the Basilica of Santa Croce of Florence has acquired many symbolic meanings that correspond to major periods of Florentine history.

Thus, it was first Franciscan church, before becoming municipe religious for the great families of the Medicean Florence, then moving to an ideological laboratory of the Renaissance, before being today a Pantheon of the great Italian names and a reference point of the Italian political history.

What to do and see at the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence?

Visiting the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence is discovering a monument whose creation has been delegated to some of the most talented artists Italy has ever known. The church simply represents one of the fastest periods of Florentine art. This can be found through the visit, for example, as you can admire the frescoes extraordinary artists such as Giotto , Brunelleschi or Donatello .

The work of these artists and all their teams is particularly visible in the various chapels of the building: Baroncelli, Bardi di Vernio, Peruzzi, the Abside, the Bardi chapel and finally the Pazzi chapel, located outside the church. Other great Florentine artists of the time worked to build the Basilica of Santa Croce: Vasari , Ghiberti, Taddeo Gaddi and many more! façade , she was drawn by Matas and was inaugurated in 1863. It is covered with white marble and green marble. You can also admire the nef 38 meters wide, with an exceptionally wooden cover.

Several works settled in the church well after its construction, especially in the 15th century like the Madonna del Latte , the crucifix or the Donatello Annunciation.

Visiting the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence is also entering one of the fiefs of the Renaissance. The place served as a meeting place for the great thinkers of the time, whether they were religious, theologians, politicians or humanists. The Basilica of Santa Croce is also one of the Pantheons of Florentine and Italian history.

In particular, you can see them tombs famous florentines worldwide, as Galileo , Michelangelo, Dante or Machiavel . The basilica also houses tombs of rich Florentine families. At the time, the Franciscan church had to borrow money to build this masterpiece. She then turned to the wealthy Florentine families who agreed to finance the construction, provided she was buried in chapels with their name.

You can also find during this visit a museum museum (the Museum of the Art of Santa Croce) which retraces the great advances and successive projects of the Basilica. This museum is located in a part of convents of Santa Croce, which were among the most important city monasteries of the city and even of the country. You can observe many paintings artists from the Florentine School.

Finally, the basilica Santa Croce suffered from the climate and in particular had to face the great floods of 1966 . A part of the pavement of the church then collapsed. Today, a sign indicates the level of the flood at the time.

How to go to the basilica Santa Croce Florence?

To visit the basilica Santa Croce in Florence, you will have to go to the square bearing the same name ( Piazza di Santa Croce ).

For people travelling by public transport, several bus go towards the Piazza Di Santa Croce including lines C1, C2 and C3 . From the main train station of Florence for example ( Firenze S.M.N ), you will have about twenty minutes of travel, taking the line C2.

However, if you are close to the main attractions and especially Dôme de Florence , you can Walk directly to Piazza di Santa Croce taking the via del Proconsolo . Turn left at level borgo de’ Greci and you will reach the square and the basilica in about ten minutes.

Schedules and rates of basilica Santa Croce Florence

HORARI

The basilica Santa Croce Florence is open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5pm , and Sundays and holidays from 2pm to 5pm .

RATES

The rates at the entrance are from 8€ for an adult, 4€ for 11-17 years, and free for under 11 years. Tickets include access to the basilica but also to the museum.