Discover the Art and History of Santa Croce Basilica in Florence

Discover the Temple of Italian Glories and Art Masterpieces on a tour of Santa Croce Church in Florence. Explore the burial place of famous Florentine and Italian masters, admire frescoes by Giotto and a chapel designed by Brunelleschi, and marvel at works by Donatello and the monument dedicated to Dante.

Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Basilica of Santa Croce - Start the tour in the main square, where the famous soccer game played in medieval costumes, the Calcio Storico Florentino, takes place here every year in June. Your guide will describe in detail of all the immense artistic wealth in Santa Croce; frescoes (1380) by Gaddi in the Cappella Maggiore tell the story of “Santa Croce”, and beautiful frescoes by Giotto in the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels show scenes from the life of St. Francis and St. John the Evangelist.

On your way to the left of the entrance, see the memorial of the 19th-century playwright Giovanni Battista Niccolini built as an inspiration for the Statue of Liberty. As you walk through the hallowed walls, learn about the art of Donatello and his crucifix, one of the jewels of the Renaissance, as well as the art of Brunelleschi and the perfect architectural harmony of his Chapel of Fools.

What's Included
  • Expert guidance by official certified guide
  • Pre-reserved entrance tickets included
  • Enhanced touring experience with provided radio system
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
  • Transportation to/from attractions
Additional Information

EXCURSION FEATURES
• Explore the temple of Italian Greatness
• Witness the final resting place of numerous Florentine and Italian luminaries
• Encounter frescoes by Giotto and a chapel devised by Brunelleschi
• Appreciate the masterpieces by Donatello and the monument in honor of Dante

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Experience the majesty of the Basilica di Santa Croce, the foremost Franciscan church in Florence. Delve into the historical narratives of Florence and learn about the existence of Michelangelo. Visit the tombs of illustrious personalities like Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo Galilee, Rossini and others.

  • Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
  • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Please note that the tour requires a minimum number of guests to run
  • Please note that if you arrive after the tour start time you will not be able to join and will not be refunded or have your tour rescheduled
  • There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
  • A refusal of entry due to inappropriate dress code, the tour will not be rescheduled or refunded.
Location
Monument to Dante Alighieri
Piazza di Santa Croce
Please be present next to the Statue of Dante Alighieri (Piazza della Santa Croce, 1 Firenze), 15 minutes before departure time in order to avoid any delays.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(84 Ratings)
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Claire_d
Jul 11, 2024
Great tour - Beat the line is the go in summer! Our guide was passionate and knew her stuff. To be honest this church rivalled all the other churches we had already seen. Some famous people buried in it and a story behind each. This is well worth it while in Florence.
Review provided by Viator
Kelesha_a
Jul 9, 2024
Wonderful - Lovely tour guide. Perfect amount of history, detail and insight. Also appreciated the shopping tips for items reflective of the area.
Review provided by Viator
Brad_l
Jul 8, 2024
Great tour - Marcello was very trough and knowledgeable. He provided in depth knowledge was very clear and easy to understand. We would very much like to have a tour with him again.
Review provided by Viator
Harrietnicole
Jul 6, 2024
beautiful and special place. - An absolute must see and for only 8 euros a bargain! Lovely respectful atmosphere with so much beautiful architecture and interiors to admire. Stunned to find tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo, really quite special. Followed the signs outside to beautiful cloisters which were just charming. A highlight of our trip and not too busy or too touristy. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Heather_f
Jun 22, 2024
Beautiful exploration of Santa Croce - We were incredibly fortunate to have Matteo as our guide through this breathtaking church. It turned out to be just my husband and me in our small group, which allowed us to ask Matteo numerous questions, all of which he skillfully and happily answered. The church itself is one of the most astonishingly beautiful I have ever seen. Beyond its role as a "Star of Fame" as a final resting place for famous Italians like Michelangelo and Galileo, the artwork inside is truly stunning. Absolutely worth a visit.
Review provided by Viator
Mobile782760
Jun 5, 2024
Santa Croce Private Tour - The cathedral was amazing and our guide Laura was terrific. Her knowledge was amazing and we learned so much. She was excellent.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Matt_s
May 22, 2024
We loved it - We had a delightful tour with Sarah at Santa Croce. Having a knowledgeable tour guide makes all the difference. It was fascinating seeing the people buried in the church, more Medici influence and the beautiful church and chapels.
Review provided by Viator
Malcolm_w
May 5, 2024
Fantastic knowledge - The tour guide had fantastic knowledge and enthusiasm of Florence and the entire church. Adds to the experience greatly.
Review provided by Viator
Dora_d
Apr 18, 2024
Sorry to miss tour - We missed the tour because we arrived too late (our fault not knowing how to get a taxi). The tour guide went out of his way to find us and give us tickets to enter and we went through on our own.
Review provided by Viator
Aron_b
Apr 24, 2024
This church is AMAZING! - This church is incredible. There are so many historically important people buried within it! Once you figure out who your guide is everything goes pretty well. These guides do NOT hold up flags, or pennants, as the listings say they do, be warned about that. But the guide was knowledgeable and interesting to listen to. I would recommend the tour!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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