Let know the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Florence

The historic center of Florence is not very extensive and is perfect for exploring on foot and for seeing up close the most famous monuments and works of art, allowing you to understand all the details of which Florence is very rich. There are so many monuments, works of art and things to see that we often don’t know where to start, because today you are going to “enter” the extraordinary Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence. Santa Croce (in Italian) is the Franciscan Basilica par excellence, one of the oldest and grandest ever built by the order of the friar of Assisi. Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patricia you make the trip of your dreams!!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”

Introduction

The construction of Santa Croce in Florence began in 1294, was completed in 1385 and consecrated in 1443. Since then it has lived seven centuries of splendor, becoming the place where the tombs of the great Italians are housed. Among other things, this basilica is considered the most beautiful Italian Gothic church. The grand square dominated by the Basilica is one of the most loved and frequented meeting places of the Florentines, not only for the many bars and restaurants that fill the streets around, but also for the proximity to the national library and the frequent events that are held annually. Read also What are the main fairs in Florence? How about taking a Self-Guided Audio Tour of Florence?

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1) Let know the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Florence – VISIT THE STATUE OF DANTE ALIGHIERI

In front of the basilica’s facade is the marble statue of the Great Poet, Dante Alighieri. Inside the church are buried artists of the highest level and from all branches of knowledge. The interior is composed of three naves, the walls and windows are decorated with frescoes representing the “History of St Francis”, made by Giotto and his students. Find out here How to get to Florence from Rome? and How to visit Florence in one day?

2) Let know the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Florence – VISIT THE CRUCIFIX AND THE ANNUNCIATION

Donatello also wanted to leave a testimony of his passage inside the church, sculpting the beautiful Crucifix and the Annunciation. The interior of the church is formed by the succession of pillars that support pointed arches that make the interior of the church spacious and airy. Among the most visited attractions of the church, the tombs of luminaries such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Dante and Machiavelli stand out. The Basilica di Santa Croce, in fact, is also called Tempio dell’Itale Glorie (“Temple of the Italian Glories”), precisely in honor of the celebrated personalities who rest here.

3) Let know the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Florence – VISIT MICHELANGELO’S TOMB

In particular, Michelangelo’s tomb is adorned with three allegorical figures representing the arts of sculpture, painting and architecture. In the basilica there is also the sepulchral monument without the remains of Dante Alighieri. The old cenacle, built in the first half of the 14th century, is a large room with the main wall with frescoes from the Last Supper by Taddeo Gaddi, dominated by the Tree of Life. On the walls there are fragments hanging from the Triumph of Death, in Hell and at the Last Judgment, a magnificent fresco by Andrea Orcagna originally on the wall on the right of Santa Croce. A tabernacle, which reproduces the original of the Orsanmichele church, houses the large golden bronze statue of Saint Ludovico of Tolosa, built by Donatello.

4) Let know the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Florence – VISIT THE GRAND CLOISTER AND THE CAPELLA DEI PAZZI

In addition to the tombs, the visit to the cloisters, in particular the Grand Cloister, and the Cappella dei Pazzi (Pazzi Chapel), which is not very large, but contains the “four corners of the earth”, is of considerable interest. This chapel is a jewel of Renaissance architecture built by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1443, in the name of Andrea Pazzi, father of the best-known Jacopo who led the famous conspiracy against the Medici. Made of stone and white plaster, the chapel has an elegant six-columned portico with vaulted and decorated ceilings.

5) Let know the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Florence – VISIT THE DIFFERENT CHAPELS

Then there are the different chapels decorated with works of art by Giotto and Della Robbia, while Brunelleschi designed the cloisters. Santa Croce, in addition to being a grand basilica, is a complex that includes both cloisters and a refectory now used as the Museo dell’Opera di Santa Croce (Museum of the Opera of Santa Croce). In Santa Croce everything is represented at the highest level.

Useful information

The Basilica of Santa Croce is located in the historic center of Florence and can be easily reached on foot. The Church is open every day, except national and religious holidays.

The cost of the full ticket is 6.00 euros, and the one including Casa Buonarroti costs 8 euros.
Tickets are only available at the Opera box office at Largo Bargellini.
Opening hours on weekdays are from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, while on Sundays and holidays, hours are from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

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How to get to the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence ?

Florence has excellent communication with the rest of Italy and is easy to reach by land and air.

1) How to get to the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence? BY AIRPLANE

In recent years, air traffic to and from Florence at Amerigo Vespucci Airport has increased significantly and infrastructure and services are constantly improving.

2) How to get to the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence ? BY TRAIN

Trains connect the Tuscan capital with other regions very well and, since 2009, high-speed trains have also been introduced, such as Frecciarossa, which allows the Naples-Rome-Florence-Bologna-Milan route to be followed very quickly. Did you know that Trenitalia is the main Italian company dedicated to the management of railway transport? Find out here “What is the difference between trains in Italy?”. Buy your ticket online in advance and save a lot, read the Post “How to buy a train ticket in Italy?”.

3) How to get to the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence? BY CAR

Florence is also an important center of the Italian motorway network. It is well connected to the main cities in the north of the country and, going south, Rome is just an hour and a half by car. The A1 highway, the main artery connecting Italy from north to south, has four exits to Florence.

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How about if I give you a rental car option? Are you ready for it? If you are renting a car be sure to read our posts in the section Driving in Italy on the blog Your Travel to Italy. In addition to car itinerary tips, we have everything about signage, tolls, roads and many more tips.

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Hotels I recommend in the Historic Center

In the Historic Center (Old Town), is really easy to admire all the main attractions of the city very easily. The old town of Florence corresponds to the oldest and most beautiful part of the city. If you want to stay in the real heart of Florence, choose hotels in the central areas of Piazza Santa Croce, Ponte Vecchio, Cathedral, Gallery of Offices, etc.

If you want some indications of hostels (or B&B) and apartments, I have some options that I suggest if you want to save money; click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices!

If you prefer hotels, I have some options that I recommend with great cost benefit! Click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

Hotels that I recommend in Oltrarno

Always staying very close to the Historic Center, you can also stay in Oltrarno, close to the most characteristic craft shops in the whole city and much more. The area is perfect for those who want quiet accommodation and for those who want to breathe the real Florentine atmosphere. At the same time, you will be close to the center of Florence, a short walk from the main monuments, squares, churches, restaurants, shops and museums.

Hotels that I recommend in Santa Maria Novella

Another interesting neighborhood to stay is Santa Maria Novella. This is a particularly exclusive area because of the proximity to the station (great if you want to do a lot of tours leaving from Florence) and the famous Church of Santa Maria Novella, a very important reference in Florence.

Hotels that I recommend in Santa Croce

Another neighborhood where you can stay is Santa Croce, where the homonymous church is located. This area, located in the southeastern part of the historic center, is close to the most interesting monuments and has its fulcrum in the church of Santa Croce. Among the scenic palaces in this district, there are many hotels that can accommodate you for a wonderful weekend in Florence.

Hotels that I recommend in Campo di Marte

Another economic possibility, where you can stay in Florence, is Campo di Marte; in this area there are several well-equipped and affordable hotels. It is a quiet and charming residential area in Florence, well connected to the historic city center by public transport. Campo di Marte has its own train station where several regional and high-speed trains stop, with which you can easily reach other Tuscan cities and major cities in Italy. It is a great choice if you have rented a car too.

Hotels I recommend outside the Historic Center

And so, if you decide to breathe a less touristic air, a good choice could be to stay in Florence right outside the historic center, where hotel prices are cheaper and the most convenient solution if you come by car. Another possibility is to stay away, in some nearby town, and experience the silence of the wonderful Tuscan landscape, but in this case it is necessary to have a car.

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Conclusion

Let know the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Florence. This is just one of the many important monuments in this beautiful city that is the heart of the Italian Renaissance. And if you feel insecure or have no time, and need help to organize your trip, do not hesitate to look for me! I will love to help you make your dream trip to Italy. And how can I do that? Continue reading this post until the end and you will understand how can we make your life and journey easier.

Did my post help you? If yes, make sure to leave your comment below, but if you still have questions, just leave them as a comment below and I will reply, O.K.?

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