The Basilica of Santa Croce is Florence’s great Franciscan church, standing on a broad piazza at the eastern edge of the historic centre. Begun in 1294 and traditionally attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio, its Gothic interior contrasts with the geometric marble façade, which was completed in the 19th century. The square remains a lively part of the neighbourhood, as much a place to cross or linger as a backdrop for photographs.
Inside, Santa Croce is often called the pantheon of Italian achievement. Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and Rossini are buried here, while a grand monument honours Dante, who died in exile and remains buried in Ravenna. Beyond the tombs, look for Giotto’s frescoes in the Bardi and Peruzzi chapels: their expressive figures and stories are among the basilica’s most compelling treasures.
Allow time for the cloister and the Pazzi Chapel, a Renaissance masterpiece associated with Brunelleschi, where measured proportions and glazed terracotta roundels create a striking sense of calm. The complex is also home to the Scuola del Cuoio, a leather school where visitors can encounter another side of Florence’s craft tradition.
Visit on a weekday morning if you prefer a quieter nave, and allow at least an hour to explore beyond the famous tombs. Entry is ticketed, so check current prices, opening hours and access to individual spaces before you go. Dress respectfully for a working church, and bring a layer in cooler months: the stone interior can feel chilly.