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Basilica of Santa Croce

Experience the majesty of Florence's Basilica of Santa Croce. Marvel at its Gothic architecture and the tombs of legends like Michelangelo and Galileo. Breeze pass queues with skip-the-line tickets or opt for an audio guided tour for an engaging visit.
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Basilica of Santa Croce
Santa Croce Basilica altar with stained glass windows and ornate architecture in Florence, Italy.
Pazzi Chapel courtyard with arched colonnades and central dome in Florence, Italy.
Cloisters of Santa Croce Basilica Complex with statue and visitors in Florence, Italy.
Cloisters of Santa Croce Basilica Complex with arches and central garden in Florence.
Aerial view of Santa Croce Basilica in Florence, Italy, surrounded by cityscape and greenery.
Santa Croce Basilica facade in Florence, Italy, with tourists in the foreground.
Painting of The Last Supper at Santa Croce Basilica, Florence, depicting Jesus and disciples.
Fresco inside Santa Croce Basilica depicting a biblical scene with historical architecture.
Candles and artwork inside Santa Croce Basilica, Florence.
Explore at your pace
  • Skip the ticket queue and walk straight into the world's largest Franciscan basilica. The full complex is yours to explore at your own pace.

  • Stand before Giotto's 14th-century frescoes in the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels, among the finest surviving examples of pre-Renaissance painting in Italy.

  • Pay your respects at the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli: three of history's greatest minds, all buried within the same nave.

  • Wander through Brunelleschi's Pazzi Chapel, the cloisters, the crypt, and the Opera Museum. One ticket covers it all, with nothing extra to pay inside.

  • While admiring these masterpieces, do not forget to witness Pio Fedi’s Freedom of Poetry, a marble statue symbolizing freedom of expression. It is believed that Freedom of Poetry inspired the Statue of Liberty of New York!

More details

  • Skip the ticket queue and walk straight into the world's largest Franciscan basilica. The full complex is yours to explore at your own pace.

  • Stand before Giotto's 14th-century frescoes in the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels, among the finest surviving examples of pre-Renaissance painting in Italy.

  • Pay your respects at the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli: three of history's greatest minds, all buried within the same nave.

  • Wander through Brunelleschi's Pazzi Chapel, the cloisters, the crypt, and the Opera Museum. One ticket covers it all, with nothing extra to pay inside.

  • While admiring these masterpieces, do not forget to witness Pio Fedi’s Freedom of Poetry, a marble statue symbolizing freedom of expression. It is believed that Freedom of Poetry inspired the Statue of Liberty of New York!

from
€11
Santa Croce Basilica facade in Florence, Italy, with tourists exploring the square.
Santa Croce Basilica entrance and Dante statue in Florence, Italy.
Santa Croce interior with stained glass and frescoes, Florence guided tour.
Santa Croce frescoes depicting biblical scenes, Florence guided tour.
Santa Croce monument in Florence featuring statues and inscriptions.
Santa Croce chapel altar with frescoes and stained glass in Florence.
Tombstones inside Santa Croce, Florence, featuring detailed carvings and inscriptions.
Santa Croce sculptures in Florence, featuring detailed marble figures on a tomb.
Santa Croce interior with Gioachino Rossini's tomb, Florence guided tour.
Santa Croce courtyard in Florence with bell tower and arches.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr 30 mins
  • Skip lines with timed entry and tour alongside a certified guide for a focused, well-paced visit to this landmark basilica in Florence.

  • Discover Franciscan heritage and Gothic design while your guide unpacks symbols, stories, and artistic choices woven into the church.

  • View Giotto’s frescoes up close and learn how the Bardi, Medici, and Pazzi Chapels shaped Florence’s religious and civic identity.

  • Pay respects at the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, contextualized within Renaissance culture and civic pride.

  • Headsets are offered if the participant group exceeds 7 members to keep narration clear during the 1.5-hour experience.

More details

  • Skip lines with timed entry and tour alongside a certified guide for a focused, well-paced visit to this landmark basilica in Florence.

  • Discover Franciscan heritage and Gothic design while your guide unpacks symbols, stories, and artistic choices woven into the church.

  • View Giotto’s frescoes up close and learn how the Bardi, Medici, and Pazzi Chapels shaped Florence’s religious and civic identity.

  • Pay respects at the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, contextualized within Renaissance culture and civic pride.

  • Headsets are offered if the participant group exceeds 7 members to keep narration clear during the 1.5-hour experience.

from
€44.90
Open-top sightseeing bus in Florence and Basilica of Santa Croce.
Tourists on an open-top sightseeing bus in Florence, Italy, taking photos.
Santa Croce Basilica in Florence on Hop-On Hop-Off Tour.
Cloisters of Santa Croce Basilica Complex with statue and visitors in Florence, Italy.
Women walking by a CitySightseeing bus in Florence, Italy.
Pazzi Chapel courtyard with arched colonnades and central dome in Florence, Italy.
Santa Croce Basilica altar with stained glass windows and ornate architecture in Florence, Italy.
Fresco inside Santa Croce Basilica depicting a biblical scene with historical architecture.
Candles and artwork inside Santa Croce Basilica, Florence.
Tourists on Florence sightseeing bus holding city map.
Open-top tour bus near Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence alley.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Hop on and off across 2 routes and 25+ stops in Florence for 24 hours, with an 8-language audio guide included on every bus.

  • The Blue Line covers Florence's historic centre: Santa Croce, Piazzale Michelangelo, and the artisan streets near Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral.

  • The Red Line reaches hill towns like Fiesole, the Museo del Calcio, and quieter residential neighbourhoods along the riverbank — a different side of the city from the same ticket.

  • Skip the ticket counter at Basilica di Santa Croce and walk straight in. One ticket covers the basilica, all chapels, the cloisters, the crypt, and the Opera Museum — including the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.

  • The bus stops directly at Santa Croce. No separate transport to arrange, no second ticket to buy at the door.

  • Tip: If you visit Calcio Museum at stop #6 on Line B, you could learn all about the history of Italy's national football team!

More details

  • Hop on and off across 2 routes and 25+ stops in Florence for 24 hours, with an 8-language audio guide included on every bus.

  • The Blue Line covers Florence's historic centre: Santa Croce, Piazzale Michelangelo, and the artisan streets near Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral.

  • The Red Line reaches hill towns like Fiesole, the Museo del Calcio, and quieter residential neighbourhoods along the riverbank — a different side of the city from the same ticket.

  • Skip the ticket counter at Basilica di Santa Croce and walk straight in. One ticket covers the basilica, all chapels, the cloisters, the crypt, and the Opera Museum — including the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.

  • The bus stops directly at Santa Croce. No separate transport to arrange, no second ticket to buy at the door.

  • Tip: If you visit Calcio Museum at stop #6 on Line B, you could learn all about the history of Italy's national football team!

from €40
€38

5% off

Uffizi Gallery sculptures and Santa Croce Basilica in Florence, Italy.
Visitors walking through the arcade of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy.
Visitors walking through the statue-lined hallway of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
Aerial view of Santa Croce Basilica in Florence, Italy, surrounded by cityscape and greenery.
Cloisters of Santa Croce Basilica Complex with statue and visitors in Florence, Italy.
Art exhibits in a decorated room at the Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy.
Tourists viewing Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" at Uffizi Gallery, Florence.
Tourists viewing Renaissance paintings at the Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy.
Cloisters of Santa Croce Basilica Complex with arches and central garden in Florence.
Santa Croce Basilica altar with stained glass windows and ornate architecture in Florence, Italy.
Candles and artwork inside Santa Croce Basilica, Florence.
Explore at your pace
  • Walk through 90+ rooms of the Uffizi at your own pace, from Cimabue's earliest panel paintings through to Botticelli, Leonardo, and Caravaggio, the collection follows the full arc of the Renaissance in sequence.

  • Cross the 500 metres to Santa Croce and skip the ticket counter entirely. The full complex is yours: basilica, chapels, cloisters, crypt, and museum, with nothing extra to pay at any point inside.

  • In the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels, Giotto painted the figures of St Francis and St John with a naturalism that had not existed in Western art before. These frescoes are the starting point of everything the Uffizi later brought to its peak.

  • The tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli are set into the nave walls. Each monument was designed in a different century — Galileo's was not erected until 95 years after his death.

  • Two sites most visitors split across separate days. This ticket is the reason to do both in one.

More details

  • Walk through 90+ rooms of the Uffizi at your own pace, from Cimabue's earliest panel paintings through to Botticelli, Leonardo, and Caravaggio, the collection follows the full arc of the Renaissance in sequence.

  • Cross the 500 metres to Santa Croce and skip the ticket counter entirely. The full complex is yours: basilica, chapels, cloisters, crypt, and museum, with nothing extra to pay at any point inside.

  • In the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels, Giotto painted the figures of St Francis and St John with a naturalism that had not existed in Western art before. These frescoes are the starting point of everything the Uffizi later brought to its peak.

  • The tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli are set into the nave walls. Each monument was designed in a different century — Galileo's was not erected until 95 years after his death.

  • Two sites most visitors split across separate days. This ticket is the reason to do both in one.

from €51
€35.79

30% off

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Book online in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to guarantee your preferred time slot and avoid long queues.

Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees to respect the sacred space, and carry a valid ID to enter the Basilica.

Consider using the audio guide for deeper insights into the basilica’s art and history, available in multiple languages.

The Hop-On Hop-Off bus combo saves time and money while offering access to multiple city landmarks along with the Basilica.

Similar things to do in Florence

About Basilica of Santa Croce

Santa Croce is a must-see for anyone exploring Florence’s rich tapestry of art and history. As part of the city’s essential cultural collection, it offers a unique journey through Renaissance masterpieces, monumental tombs, and the vibrant legacy of Florence’s most celebrated figures.


AddressPiazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Also known asTemple of the Italian Glories
Year opened1442
Founded byArnolfo di Cambio
Expected wait time - Standard30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

Santa Croce is known as the 'Temple of the Italian Glories' because it houses the tombs of Italy’s most illustrious artists, scientists, and thinkers.

The basilica’s construction began in 1294 under the direction of Arnolfo di Cambio and continued for over a century.

Cimabue’s 13th-century crucifix, displayed in the refectory, survived the devastating 1966 Florence flood and remains a symbol of resilience.

The Pazzi Chapel, designed by Brunelleschi, is considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance architectural harmony outside the Duomo.

The Leather School (Scuola del Cuoio) was founded after World War II to train orphans in traditional Florentine leathercraft, a tradition still alive today.

Why visit Basilica of Santa Croce?

Resting Place of Italian Legends

Pay tribute to Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini, whose monumental tombs line the basilica’s aisles, making Santa Croce a true pantheon of Italian genius.

Renaissance Art Masterpieces

Marvel at Giotto’s early 14th-century frescoes, Cimabue’s iconic crucifix, and sculptures by Donatello and Rossellino, all within a single awe-inspiring space.

Stunning Gothic Architecture

Admire the soaring nave, intricate stained-glass windows, and harmonious chapels that exemplify Italian Gothic style at its finest.

Florentine Leathercraft Tradition

Visit the on-site Scuola del Cuoio, where artisans continue Florence’s centuries-old leatherworking heritage in the peaceful cloisters.

Peaceful Piazza and Cloisters

Relax in the tranquil Piazza Santa Croce and explore the serene cloisters, offering a quiet escape from the city’s bustle and a glimpse into monastic life.

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What our guests say

Marina Z

Cyprus
Couple
May 2026

+1 more

Michelangelo’s magnificent sculptures and the stunning collections of the Uffizi Gallery! You can easily see everything in a reasonable amount of time. It was a wonderful experience to spend the whole day surrounded by such beauty. At the Uffizi, you can take a coffee break with delicious ice cream to rest your feet and snap some beautiful photos while you’re at it. Buying tickets with a fast-track (relatively speaking) entry was well worth it. And of course, you need a full day to visit the Accademia and the Uffizi. At least 1.5–2 hours for the Accademia and at least 4–5 hours for the Uffizi.

Combo: Uffizi Gallery + Basilica Santa Croce Skip-the-Line Tickets

Aurora O

Italy
Couple
Feb 2026
A super convenient and useful app for those who travel a lot and love discovering ancient and modern cultures 🥰 Accessing tickets has never been easier! I will definitely use it for my next trips.

Combo: Uffizi Gallery + Basilica Santa Croce Skip-the-Line Tickets

Alexandre K

Group
Apr 2026

+3 more

Easy access to the Basilica: there aren't many people around at this time of year (early April). A beautiful and impressive monument not to be missed! You can also enjoy spending some time in the vast, typically Italian square that stretches out in front of the Basilica or in one of the bars and restaurants lining it...

Skip-the-Line Tickets to Santa Croce Basilica Complex

Alan B

United States
Couple
Apr 2026
Exceptional images with history. Just amazing how the relics of the last is so well kept and vibrant. Breathtaking pictures and the ability to step back in time to see a vision from the past.

Skip-the-Line Tickets to Santa Croce Basilica Complex

Tim J

United States
Couple
3 days ago
Seeing Florence as it is from the street level. Architectural beauty, people, topography, traffic. It was great to hear about it's history via the audio headsets too. However traffic noise and delays did affect our enjoyment of the event.

Combo: Florence Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Santa Croce Basilica Complex Tickets

Karena D

United States
Family
Last week
Very easy to order. We didn't know which line to stand on but that was our own fault - look for the sign that says online tickets. Was quick after we switched lines.

Combo: Florence Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Santa Croce Basilica Complex Tickets

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