The Florence Santa Croce Church Tour offers visitors a chance to explore one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Travelers can pay their respects at the burial sites of renowned figures like Michelangelo and Galileo, while admiring the stunning frescoes by Giotto. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the tour can be paired with a Tuscan wine tasting, providing a delightful blend of art, history, and culinary delights. With an expert guide leading the way, this tour promises to unveil the rich cultural heritage of Florence in a captivating and engaging manner.

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Key Points

This 1-hour tour offers an immersive experience at the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, featuring the burial sites of renowned figures like Michelangelo and Galileo.
The tour highlights the basilica’s architectural marvels, including frescoes by Giotto and Brunelleschi’s chapel, as well as the Cappella Maggiore with its 14th-century frescoes.
Knowledgeable guides lead the tour in multiple languages, providing valuable insights and assistance in navigating the basilica’s key highlights.
The tour is accessible for visitors of all abilities, with optional wine tasting and Tuscan appetizers available to enhance the cultural experience.
Guests can choose from various start times and benefit from a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Florence Santa Croce Church Tour is a 1-hour experience that explores the Basilica of Santa Croce, the principal Franciscan church in Florence.

Priced from $52.43 per person, the tour is available at various start times.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and guests can reserve now and pay later.

The tour highlights include the burial places of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo, as well as Giotto’s frescoes and Brunelleschi’s chapel.

An optional wine tasting with Tuscan appetizers is also available.

Looking for more options in Florence? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Highlights and Itinerary

Visitors can expect to see the burial places of renowned figures like Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo during the Florence Santa Croce Church Tour. The tour also includes admiring frescoes by Giotto and a chapel designed by Brunelleschi. Explorers will tour the temple of Italian Glories and the monumental cemetery.

| Highlights | Description |

|———-|————-|

| Cappella Maggiore | Frescoes by Gaddi (1380) and scenes from St. Francis’s life |

| Memorial for Giovanni Battista Niccolini | Inspiration for the Statue of Liberty |

| Artworks by Donatello | Brunelleschi’s Chapel of Fools |

The tour provides access to the bell tower, crypt, and 16 chapels. Visitors can also upgrade to include a wine tasting with Tuscan appetizers.

Tour Guide and Languages

A live tour guide is available for the Florence Santa Croce Church Tour in Italian, Spanish, French, German, and English.

The tour guide has an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on customer reviews. The tour also offers excellent value for money, scoring 4.6/5.

Customers can expect:

Knowledgeable, engaging guides, clear communication, informative commentary, and assistance navigating the basilica’s highlights for an immersive experience.

Knowledgeable, engaging guides
Clear communication via radio system
Informative commentary on the church’s history and highlights
Assistance navigating the basilica and its chapels, frescoes, and artworks

The Florence Santa Croce Church Tour provides a comprehensive, immersive experience led by experienced, multilingual guides.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

Multiple meeting point options are available for the Florence Santa Croce Church Tour, including the Monument to Dante Alighieri and the Basilica of Santa Croce itself.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, allowing visitors of all abilities to explore the historic church. Guests are advised to bring their passport or ID card and wear comfortable shoes.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so appropriate attire is recommended. Certain clothing restrictions apply, as knees and shoulders must be covered for entry.

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Important Information

Travelers are advised to bring their passport or ID card and wear comfortable shoes for the Florence Santa Croce Church Tour.

The tour has a strict dress code – no pets, smoking, large bags, or sleeveless shirts are allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for entry. However, the tour operates in all weather conditions.

The highlights of the tour include:

Visiting the Basilica of Santa Croce
Seeing the burial places of Italian masters like Michelangelo and Galileo
Admiring frescoes by renowned artists
Exploring the temple of Italian Glories and the monumental cemetery.

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Burial Places of Famous Italian Masters

One of the highlights of the Florence Santa Croce Church Tour is the opportunity to see the burial places of some of Italy’s most renowned figures.

The church houses the tombs of renowned polymath Galileo Galilei, political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, and the legendary artist Michelangelo.

Visitors can also pay respects at the memorials of other luminaries like the poet Dante Alighieri and the historian and philosopher Giovanni Battista Niccolini, whose work inspired the creation of the Statue of Liberty.

Visitors can pay respects at the memorials of Dante Alighieri and Giovanni Battista Niccolini, whose work inspired the Statue of Liberty.

Exploring these hallowed resting places offers a chance to connect with the legacies of Italy’s greatest minds.

Frescoes and Artworks

As visitors explore the Florence Santa Croce Church, they’ll be captivated by the stunning frescoes and artworks that adorn the interior.

The highlights include:

Frescoes by Giotto in the Basilica, depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis.
The Cappella Maggiore, featuring frescoes by Gaddi from 1380.
Donatello’s artworks, including a memorial for Giovanni Battista Niccolini, the inspiration for the Statue of Liberty.
Brunelleschi’s Chapel of Fools, showcasing his architectural genius.

These masterpieces showcase the artistic brilliance that has made the Santa Croce Church a renowned cultural treasure in Florence.

Optional Wine Tasting Experience

For those seeking a more immersive experience, the tour offers an optional wine tasting with Tuscan appetizers.

Participants will sample fine local wines and savor a selection of regional delicacies. The tasting showcases the rich culinary heritage of Tuscany, complementing the cultural exploration of the Santa Croce Basilica.

Participants will sample fine local wines and savor a selection of regional delicacies, showcasing Tuscany’s rich culinary heritage.

This upgrade provides a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the flavors and traditions that define the Florentine lifestyle.

Whether a wine connoisseur or a curious traveler, this optional addition enhances the overall tour, creating a memorable and multi-sensory journey through the city’s history and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Church?

Yes, you can take photos inside the church, but flash photography is not allowed. Visitors are asked to be respectful and avoid disrupting the sacred atmosphere during the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Church?

There is a dress code for visiting the church. Visitors must cover their knees and shoulders, and cannot wear sleeveless shirts. Large bags, pets, and smoking are also not allowed inside the church.

Are Audio Guides Available for the Tour?

Audio guides aren’t mentioned in the tour details. The tour includes a live guide who provides commentary in several languages. Visitors are required to follow a dress code for entry into the church.

What Is the History Behind the Santa Croce Church?

The Santa Croce Church is a Franciscan basilica in Florence, Italy, dating back to the 13th century. It’s known for its association with famous Italian figures like Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo, who are buried within its walls.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the End of the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include purchasing souvenirs, but visitors can explore the gift shop located within the Santa Croce Basilica after the guided tour to find religious items, books, and other mementos.

The Sum Up

The Florence Santa Croce Church Tour offers a captivating 1-hour experience exploring the iconic Basilica of Santa Croce. Visitors can pay homage to the burial sites of renowned figures, marvel at stunning frescoes, and access the impressive Cappella Maggiore. For an enhanced experience, guests can opt for a wine tasting with Tuscan appetizers, making it an unforgettable journey through art, culture, and culinary heritage.