Santa Croce Church in Florence

Located in one of the city’s most distinctive neighborhood, Santa Croce Church in Florence is a unique place. The city district encompasses several fascinating museums, the city’s synagogue, lively markets and piazzas, the National Library and the impressive church that gives it the name.

Even if you’re tired of church-hopping, Santa Croce in Florence has a great deal to offer: a museum, beautiful courtyards, famous paintings and a multitude of illustrious tombs and memorials. Great Italians like Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei and Machiavel, to mention a few, are buried here.

The Church formerly belonged to the Franciscans who came to Florence when that area was still a slum, home to poor folk like the dyers and the wool workers. It’s something of a paradox the most unwordly of the religious orders built one of the largest churches in the world designed by the greatest architect of his time, Arnolfo di Cambio (who also designed the Duomo and the Palazzo della Signoria). Inside the effect is one of great spaciousness. The Franciscan preaching had a huge impact on the poor people who lived there, thanks to its message that all men were equal.

Let us guide you through Santa Croce: we will tell you stories of political upheavals, wealthy donors, public events, condemned men, overheated preachers, river floods and art masterpieces.