From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Michael Pughsley
GB

Michael

United Kingdom
Oct 2025

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Santa Croce is by far one of the most beautiful and interesting churches - brilliant for the casual tourist and art nerd alike. So many art works and monuments that broke the mould. The thinkg that spoils so many evnts like this is the queues and crowds. Top tips: book your ticket online and do it for the first slot of the weekday of your choice. Most tourists will not get there until you are leaving and do the gallery shuffle like their feet are tied together.
Murielle Dupuis
FR

Murielle

France
Oct 2025

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+2 more

Church very well located, easy access, respect of the ticket, no waiting, very beautiful church, well presented, magnificent stained glass windows.
Joanne Golden
IE

Joanne

Ireland
Oct 2025

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It's so easy to see all the sights and to be able to hop off when you want to see more. We went up into a small village in the mountains had lunch and a wander round before getting the bus back to Florence it was magical the views were amazing!
MRS H Jones
GB

Mrs

United Kingdom
Sep 2025

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+1 more

Clean, prompt buses with a commentary in about 8 languages. Staff were professional and helpful. I liked that our ticket covered both the red and blue line and it was an added bonus to have a 20 minute stop in Fiesole.
MARINA MONIQUE NANCY REY
FR

Marina

France
Oct 2025

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Splendid collection of works of art. I was able to see up close the painters I admire such as Pobtormi, Boticelli, caravagio, etc.... Marina REY
Nicolette Schraa
NL

Nicolette

Netherlands
Oct 2025

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The overwhelming art collection and the size of the museum. What we didn't like is the queue before entering although we had prebooked tickets with timeslot.


Discover Basilica of Santa Croce - A Sanctuary of Legends

Basilica of Santa Croce is a masterpiece that is also the final resting place for legends like Michelangelo and Galileo. This Gothic marvel isn't just architecture; it's a portal to Florence's vibrant past. As you explore this sanctuary, you'll connect with the souls of geniuses who shaped art, science, and philosophy. Choose from various ticket options and benefit from the extensive travel guide on this page to know more about the largest Franciscan church.

Why visit Basilica of Santa Croce?

Basilica of Santa Croce
  • World's largest Franciscan church: Santa Croce is the world's largest active Franciscan church, measuring 115 meters in length and 38 meters in width. Experience serenity and spirituality amidst this vast complex.
  • Famous tombs: The chapel is the final resting place of luminaries like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, an insight into cultural and intellectual history of Italy.
  • Stendhal's syndrome: Walk into the birthplace of Stendhal's Syndrome originated in 1817 when the French poet was overwhelmed by art's beauty, coining the term for the euphoria experienced due to mesmerizing art or places of extraordinary charm.
  • Unique Crucifix: The Refectory houses a distinct representation of Crucifixion in the form of a Lignum Vitae, a tree-like cross, adding to the basilica's diverse artistic offerings.
  • Gothic architecture: Admire the elegant Gothic design of the basilica, a masterpiece by Arnolfo di Cambio.
  • Nearby attractions: Conveniently explore other Florence landmarks from this central location, including Florence Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and Piazza Santa Croce.

Your Basilica of Santa Croce Tickets Explained

If You're Short on Time

Go for: Skip-the-Line Tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guided Access: Optional Audio Guide

  • Bypass the queues and make the most of your time exploring iconic artworks at the Santa Croce Basilica. Stroll through the aisle lined with octagonal columns, and discover the ancient cenacle.
  • Enhance your experience with an optional audio guide.

Recommended tickets:

Skip-the-Line Tickets to Santa Croce Basilica Complex with Optional Audio Guide

If You want to Explore Beyond

Go for: Combo Tickets
Duration: 24-hour HOHO tour
Guided Access: Multi-lingual audio guides available

  • Combine a 24-hour hop-on hop-off tour of Florence. Visit various stops, enjoy the rich Renaissance charm & explore the "Cradle of Renaissance" freely.
  • Bypass queues to enter Santa Croce, discover its art and history, and explore the tombs of famous figures like Michelangelo and Galileo.

Recommended Tickets:
Combo (Save 5%): 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Florence + Santa Croce Basilica Complex Tickets

Highlights of Basilica of Santa Croce

Santa Croce's Chapels

Aristocratic families commissioned legendary artists to adorn these Renaissance chapels. The 14th-century frescoes survived the test of time, revealing a tapestry of stories and artistry.

Giotto's Legacy

Giotto's frescoes in the Bardi Chapel is a vivid photobook through the life of St. Francis. Giotto's vibrant strokes and emotive faces transcend centuries, offering a peek into the artist's expression and history.

Pazzi Chapel

The harmonious Pazzi Chapel was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the father of Renaissance architecture. Glazed terra cotta roundels by Luca della Robbia decorate its walls, depicting the Pazzi family's intriguing and notorious history.

Peruzzi Chapel

Giotto's first work in Santa Croce, the Peruzzi Chapel, unveils stories of St. John. Secco frescoes, though aged, offer a historical window. Painted on dried plaster, they lack durability but hold historical charm which inspired even Michelangelo and Masaccio.

Baroncelli Chapel

Built in 1328, the Baroncelli Chapel stands preserved in glory. Taddeo Gaddi's attractive frescoes grace its walls depicting the tale of the Virgin Mary. While a beautiful altar, stained glass window, and ceiling cupola adds depth.

Donatello’s Artworks

Three grand sculptures by Donatello influenced Michelangelo and reshaped art. A pioneer against Gothic norms, Donatello's embrace of Greco-Roman elements breathed life into his works. His sculptures transcend flat depictions, capturing raw human emotion and experience.

Temple of Italian Glories

Pay homage to over 300 celebrity tombs, from Michelangelo's marble tale to Galileo's celestial rest, a tribute rivaled only by St. Denis in Paris. Take astroll through legendary history; some floor tombs are so ancient, you tread lightly.

Museo dell’Opera di Santa Croce

Housed in the former Refectory, this treasure trove of Florentine school works dates back to 1900. The Arno River's 1966 flood inflicted scars, yet restoration breathed life back. Since 1975, the museum welcomes you.

Tombs at Basilica of Santa Croce

Michelangelo's Tomb

Designed by Giorgio Vasari, it symbolizes sculpture, architecture, and painting, honoring Michelangelo's immense influence.

Galileo's Tomb

Designed by Giovanni Batista Foggini, it marks the return of the astronomer, exiled and later celebrated for his visionary discoveries.

Lorenzo Ghiberti's Tomb

The creator of the iconic Baptistery doors rests here, with an emblematic eagle marking his final abode.

Machiavelli's Tomb

Paying tribute to the political thinker, Machiavelli's tomb stands as a nod to his profound insights into the art of governance.

Dante Alighieri's Memorial

An honorary tomb for Dante, Italy's poetic luminary, reflects his profound influence on Florentine culture.

Rossini's Tribute

Gioachino Rossini, known as the "Italian Mozart," finds homage here, where his melodies resonate through time.

Santa Croce's Poetic Honor

A tribute to Leonardo Bruni, a Renaissance humanist, historian, and poet. His tomb stands as a testament to his contributions to literature and thought.

Plan Your Visit to Basilica of Santa Croce

Basilica of Santa Croce

Monday - Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday: 12:30 PM - 5:45 PM
Last admission: 5 PM
Special timings: Epiphany (6 January), Assumption (15 August), All Saints (1 November), Immaculate Conception (8 December): 12:30 PM - 5:45 PM
Closed on: New Year's Day (1 January), Easter, Feast of St. Anthony of Padua (13 June), Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (4 October), Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December)

Best time to visit

April to June and September to October are the peak months in Florence, the weather is pleasant. The best time to visit Santa Croce Basilica is in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, providing a quieter and more enjoyable experience.

Basilica of Santa Croce

Address: Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Find on Maps

Getting there

Basilica of Santa Croce
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Stay connected throughout your visit with available Wi-Fi, making sharing and exploring seamless.
  • Vending Machines: Take a break with conveniently placed vending machines offering refreshments.
  • Changing Tables: Families with young ones can make use of changing tables, ensuring convenience for parents and children.
  • Audio Guides: Immerse yourself in history with informative audio guides, enhancing your understanding of the complex's significance.
  • Dante App: "Experience Dante's world with the free 'In Tuscany with Dante' app, see what inspired his Divine Comedy, from medieval Florence to the enchanting Tuscan countryside.
  • Bookshop: Browse a curated selection of books and souvenirs, a perfect way to carry a piece of Santa Croce's charm home.
  • Guided Tours: Dive deeper into history with expert-led guided tours, enriching your exploration of the complex.
Basilica of Santa Croce
  • Appropriate attire: Modest clothing covering shoulders and legs is required. Free disposable kimonos provided.
  • Silent reverence: Observe silence and respectful behavior during your visit.
  • Preservation: Refrain from touching artworks, monuments, and consuming food or drinks on the premises.
  • Photography: Take non-flash photos for personal use only, without tripods.
  • Mobile use: Use phones silently for photography or accessing the official SANTA CROCE App.
  • Pet policy: Only guide dogs accompanying visually or hearing-impaired visitors allowed.
  • Smoke-free zone: No smoking indoors or outdoors throughout the complex.
Basilica of Santa Croce
  • Luggage & bags: Avoid bringing luggage or large bags during your visit for convenience and to respect the space available.
  • Visitors with disabilities: Visitors with hearing or visual impairments are advised to keep a declaration form with them if accompanied by a guide dog, as only guide dogs are allowed.
  • Advance booking: For a seamless experience, book your entry ticket to the Basilica of Santa Croce online in advance. This ensures your entry on your preferred date and time.
  • Off-Peak hours & combined tickets: To fully enjoy your visit and avoid crowds, consider coming during off-peak hours. Additionally, purchasing a combined ticket that includes entrance to the nearby Museo dell'Opera di Santa Croce can provide a more comprehensive experience.
  • Plan sunset hour visits: The basilica's apse area features beautiful stained glass windows that create a vibrant display of colors and light. SO plan around sunsets to see this illusion in its prime.
Basilica of Santa Croce
  • La Cucina Del Ghianda: The restaurant offers traditional Tuscan dishes at reasonable prices in a great atmosphere, making it perfect for a value-packed meal.
  • Santarpia Santarpia: Florence's top pizza spot, specializing in high-quality Napoleatano-style pizza, and has quickly become a local favorite.
  • Macelleria A Firenze Luca Menoni: Aunique dining atop a butcher shop, serving traditional dishes like bollito with top-notch ingredients.
  • L’Trippaio Di Sant’Ambrogio: The place is known for the best lampredotto and trippa sandwiches in Florence, making it an ideal budget-friendly lunch spot.
  • Panificio Chicco Di Grano: An institution in Sant’Ambrogio market, serves a variety of delicious treats from sandwiches to pastries.
  • Note Di Vino: Note Di Vino in the Santa Croce area offers great views, affordable wine, and delicious meat boards, making it a perfect spot for wine and appetizers.
Basilica of Santa Croce

Budget
Hotel Fiorita, 1.9 km; Hotel Bavaria, 600 m

Mid-Range
Hotel Degli Orafi, 700 m; Hotel Silla, 650 m

Luxury
Golden Tower Hotel & Spa, 750 m; Continentale, 700 m

Basilica of Santa Croce
  • Piazza della Signoria: Absorb Renaissance history in this square with Palazzo Vecchio and striking sculptures.
  • Uffizi Gallery: Admire art masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo at the gallery.
  • Ponte Vecchio: Traverse the medieval bridge lined with historic shops over Arno River.
  • Palazzo Pitti: Roam through Renaissance gardens and opulent rooms in this palace turned museum.
  • Duomo Florence: Behold Florence Cathedral's intricate architecture and iconic Brunelleschi's Dome.
  • Piazzale Michelangelo: Climb for panoramic views of Florence's skyline and Tuscan landscape.
  • Boboli Gardens: Find serenity amidst sculptures and fountains in these lush gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions About Basilica of Santa Croce Tickets

Ticket prices vary based on factors like tour options and discounts. The basic skip-the-line ticket options start from € 9.