Basilica di Santa Croce — The Pantheon of Florence
The Basilica di Santa Croce (1294–1385) is the largest Franciscan church in the world and the Pantheon of Italian geniuses: Here lie Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Niccolò Machiavelli, Gioachino Rossini, and the poet Ugo Foscolo buried. A cenotaph (empty tomb) commemorates Dante Alighieri, who is buried in Ravenna — Florence exiled him and has mourned ever since.
Art Treasures Inside
- Giotto Frescoes (Cappella Bardi & Peruzzi): The frescoes in the family chapels of the Bardi and Peruzzi (ca. 1320–1328) depict scenes from the lives of Saint Francis and John the Baptist. They mark the beginning of Renaissance painting — Giotto broke with the Byzantine tradition and brought emotion, spatiality, and humanity to art.
- Cimabue's Crucifix: The monumental crucifix (1288) was severely damaged by the devastating flood of 1966 — the water stains are still visible and make it a symbol of Florentine resilience.
- Michelangelo's Tomb: Designed by Vasari — three allegorical figures (Painting, Sculpture, Architecture) mourn the greatest artist of all time. Michelangelo died in 1564 in Rome, his nephew smuggled the body to Florence in a goods crate.
Admission: €8. Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sun 12:30 p.m.–5:45 p.m.
Piazza Santa Croce
The large square in front of the basilica is one of the liveliest meeting points in the city: In June, the Calcio Storico takes place here — a brutal historical football game in historical costumes, more reminiscent of rugby and played since the 16th century. All year round: Cafés, gelaterias, and in the evening a young, local scene.
