Piazza Santa Croce is a broad, open square on the eastern side of Florence’s historic centre, framed by cafés and the marble façade of the Basilica di Santa Croce. More spacious than many of the city’s central piazzas, it is a place to pause over a coffee, watch people cross the square and take in the statue of Dante beside the church.
The square has long been a stage for Florentine public life, hosting festivals, jousts and calcio storico, the fiercely physical historic football tournament still played here in June on a temporary sand pitch. The basilica dates back to the late 13th century, although its striking façade was added in the 19th. Inside are the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli, along with frescoes by Giotto in the Bardi and Peruzzi chapels.
Visit early in the morning or towards sunset for softer light and a quieter look at the square. Piazza Santa Croce is about a ten-minute walk from the Duomo or Piazza della Signoria; check basilica opening times and ticket details before visiting, and dress modestly for the church. For a meal, explore the surrounding streets beyond the piazza, where artisan workshops and neighbourhood trattorias offer a different view of Florence.