Things to know before booking your Basilica of Santa Croce tickets
What’s included
• Standard entry grants access to the basilica, cloisters, chapels, and the Opera Museum (refectory).
• Tickets cover viewing of key highlights such as tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and prominent monuments along the nave.
• Optional audio guide rentals are available on-site at an extra fee, offering self-paced background on artworks and memorials.
Booking window
• Most visitors purchase tickets on the day of visit, with about 50% being last-minute bookings.
• Peak seasons (spring and summer) and weekends may see higher demand, so advance booking up to 3–7 days is advisable for guided or skip‐the‐line options.
• Same-day entry tickets are usually available, but combo or guided tour products may require earlier reservations.
Entry & access
• Entry is through the main façade where tickets are verified and a security check is mandatory.
• Skip‐the‐line options remove the ticket purchase queue but do not bypass standard security screening.
• The basilica operates on an untimed admission system with last entry at 5pm.
Ways to explore
• Self-guided visits allow flexible exploration with an optional audio guide for additional context.
• Guided tours provide expert narration and a curated route, ideal for first-time visitors seeking deeper insight.
• Several local operators also offer combo options that integrate visits to other Florence landmarks.
Special access & combos
• Combo tickets are available with attractions like the Uffizi Gallery and Florence Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours, enabling a broader city experience.
• While the combo with Uffizi typically offers priority entrance for the basilica, with the bus tours, entry tickets to the basilica may have to be purchased separately.
Policies
• Tickets are valid for one entry on the specified day; arrival must fall within the indicated time window.
• A modest dress code is enforced—shoulders and knees must be covered—and free cover-ups are provided if needed.
• Photography is allowed for personal use (no flash or tripods), and visitors should be mindful of quiet areas during prayer sessions.