“Temple of Italian glories” as Foscolo wrote in his Sepurchres, the Basilica of Santa Croce (the Holy Cross) is the most important Franciscan church in Florence. Giotto painted in Santa Croce some of his greatest masterpieces and the French writer Stendhal felt such an emotion in visiting it to bring back a 'syndrome' that still bears his name. Mostly known for the monumental tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli, the Basilica of Santa Croce is in my opinion the most beautiful Gothic church in Florence. The heavy alterations, especially from the 16th and 19th century, have not diminished the Gothic charm of the basilica, which preserves the roofing of wooden trusses to the ceiling as well as the original terracotta flooring, poor materials in line with the sobriety of the Franciscan order. The adjacent Museo dell'Opera di Santa Croce, with the Pazzi Chapel by Brunelleschi and the Crucifix by Cimabue, further enrich the value of the visit.
For information on the basilica of Santa Croce visit: www.santacroceopera.it Duration (Walking Tour + Santa Croce): 2-3 hours Cost per Private Tour (1-6 pax): from 180 € The price is PER TOUR and not per person. For groups of more than 6 people the cost will be reformulated on request depending on the number of participants. Santa Croce Ticket cost: not included