Basilica of the Holy Cross

Rebuilt in 1294 by Arnolfo di Cambio on the site of a former Franciscan oratory, the basilica is now the largest Franciscan church in the world. It features sixteen chapels decorated with marvelous frescoes by Giotto or Donatello.

Giotto depicted the life of Saint Francis in the six episodes that decorate the walls of the Bardi chapel. The design of the Pazzi chapel is often credited to Filippo Brunelleschi and it is one of the masterpieces of Florentine Renaissance architecture. The bell tower with marble facade was added to the basilica in 1842.

Although the church was consecrated in 1443, the facade remained unfinished until 1865. Designed in neo-Gothic style, it is covered with bichrome marbles and features a David’s star with an inscription inside of it.

Many notable Italian figures are buried here such as Galilei, Niccolò Machiavelli or Gioachino Rossini. Michelangelo is buried in a tomb with allegorical figures designed by Giorgio Vasari. The basilica also features a cenotaph to Dante Alighieri.

Please dress appropriately and keep silence in the place of worship. The ticket purchased here allows entry to the Basilica, the Pazzi Chapel, the Museum of the Opera, the Refectory and three cloisters.