 | Florence Santa Croce Reviews | Tips 1 - 10 of 88 |  |
Piazza Santa Croce is another beautiful Florence piazza.
This square was originally the site of public meetings, but today it is more the site of souvenir shops!
There are some great buildings here, including the gorgeous Santa Croce Church.
The square is home to artists showing/selling their creations, the occasional street entertainer and plenty of tourists taking the weight off and consulting their guidebooks. Leave a Comment Directions: In the Santa Croce region, close to the Arno River. |
The beautiful Basilica di Santa Croce holds pride of place in Piazza Santa Croce.
It's facade is made from some more of that stunning multi-colour marble that was used on the Duomo.
The inside is grand and lavishly decorated, and the floor is covered with tombstones of famous Florentines.
This church is yet another example of the beauty that Florence has to offer! Leave a Comment Directions: Located in Piazza Santa Croce, in the Santa Croce region, close to the Arno River |
The beautiful Santa Croce and its namesake piazza, lie in the eastern part of the city centre, north of the River Arno.
It was started in 1294, and contains must-see 14th century frescoes by Giotto and Gaddi (his later pupil). It is also famed for containing tombs and monuments, of such names as MICHAELANGELO (on the right as you enter: 1570) , GALILEO (on the left), BRUNI (the large tomb at the end on the right), and MACHIAVELLI (mid-way down on the right).
Whilst in the pituresque cloister alongside the church, stands the Cappella de' Pazzi ( a Renaissance masterpiece by Brunelleschi).
The Basilica, Museo, Cloister and Cappella de' Pazzi are all open 10.30am-5.30pm mon-sat, and sundays 3-5.30pm. They close earlier in the off-season months. Leave a Comment Address: Piazza di Santa CrocePhone: 055 24 46 19Directions: Eastern part of the city centre, not far north of the River Arno |
....perhaps the greatest artist the world has ever known! In Santa Croce you will find the tomb of Michaelangelo. You will also find the eternal resting places of Machiavelli, Galileo, Ghiberti, Rossini....
How amazed and humbled are you when you stand at the foot of these tombs? For me it was indeed an incredible moment. So much genius..... Leave a Comment |
It faces the square of Santa Croce which, on the other sides is lined by old palaces. In this square, during the Medici period, first the tournaments took place and later foot-ball matches.
The Basilica is one of the largest churches in the city. The facade is a modern one (1863) and so is the bell-tower (1865) built in gothic style. The interior, in the shape of an Egyptian cross is divided into three aisles by octagonal pillars supporting pointed arches. Inside the Basilica, the most famous funeral monuments are along the walls of the right aisle, These include the monument to Dante Alighieri by Ricci; to Michelangelo, by Vasari ; to Alfieri, by Canova ; and to Machiavelli, by I. Spinazzi . Leave a Comment |
Being a few years younger than Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce was built in the same architectural period as this one. Only the gothic-style façade was built in the 19th century. Santa Croce’s highlight is the interior – with a multitude of famous graves for instance Michelangelo’s, Galilei’s, etc. Leave a Comment |
Santa Croce was an unexpected highlight of our trip to Florence. You don't really get a sense of how important this city is to the world until you see the tombs of some of the most influential people who ever lived. Dante, Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Galileo, and many more. It's a sombre and respectful atmosphere (it's a church afterall).
One of things not to be missed are the extravagant paintings on the ceilings. Artists and architects designed their spaces to be full of art and detail, so remember to look around and absorb it all. Many tourists miss this which is a shame. Leave a Comment Directions: South-east of Piazza della Repubblica. About 5-10 minute walk. |
Now and then I wish that I had discovered this fantastic travel-site earlier... Then I hadn't had the feeling that I was at Santa Croce, without knowing what was there...
Sure, I thought it was an amazing church, almost like the Duomo of Florence, and the espresso at the café right over the piazza was also really good. But...
... I missed all the good stuff.
Because Santa Croce isn't just "another" beautiful church. Inside (where I didn't go, of course - stupid me) are the tombs of great persons as Michelangelo, Galileo and many many more. According to other sites here at Virtual Tourist the whole floor is crowded with tombstones.
Mm, doesn't feels that nice to walk around over tombstones, but...?
The basilica was built 1294, and rebuilt 1966 after the floods came over Florence.
Next time, for sure, I'll stay a bit longer. Maybe skip the espresso, and definately go inside...
I advice you to do the same, although, as I said, the espresso was really good, so you maybe should take your time for that too...? ;)
Another really good thing with this piazza is that it isn't "that" crowded with people. Not as the Duomo anyway. You could actually sit down for a couple of minutes, without feeling stressed to death. Leave a Comment Directions: Close to the River Arno, another kilometer after Ponte Vecchio. |
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The Basilica di Santa Croce or Basilica of the Holy Cross is located just east of the Duomo. This Franciscan church was said to be founded by St Francis himself. What strikes me the most is the beautiful facade made of white, pink and green marbles done in neo-Gothic design. This was probably the newer additions to the building, in the 19th century
This is also the final resting place of famous Italians e.g Michaelangelo & Galileo and you can find their tomb in the church
There is no fees to enter the church Address: Piazza Santa Croce, Firenze |
The Santa Croce is the largest Franciscan church in Florence. The original construction of this church started in 1295 by architect Arnolfo di Cambio and completed in 1442. Inside, you’ll find small side-chapels dedicated to families like the Peruzzis who frequented the church in its early days. The walls of these chapels and the entire church are covered in elaborate frescoes by Giotto and his students. One of the largest draws of this particular church are its tomb; those of Michelangelo Buonarroti, Galileo Galilei and Dante Alighieri. I must admit, I had little knowledge of the Santa Croce when I first visited and, as an English teacher, was starstruck by the tomb of Dante.
Outside the church, in the Piazza Santa Croce, visitors will find various tourist shops and stands, local artisans and plenty of restaurants. The piazza and church are in walking distance to other major Florence site like the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo. |
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