Santa Croce - the Temple of Italic Glories

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3 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

The Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence was a point of attraction already in the XIX century. It is also known as the "Pantheon of Italic Glory". The monumental tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Niccolò Machiavell are the first that come to our attention.

The church itself is rather impressive. The XIX century French writer Stendhal was so overwhelmed with the beauty of his surroundings that it made him feel ill. The Stendhal Syndrome became notorious, after this first instance.

At Santa Croce you will find not only sculptures and tombs but a number of paintings. Giotto worked there, and the two chapels frescoed by him are corner-stones of Italian painting. Agnolo Gaddi frescoed the beautiful Central Chapel with the Stories of the True Cross. He also worked at the Castellani Chapel and left us Episodes of the lives of four saints.

A great variety of art works and styles makes the visit even more interesting, as the pieces are still in the same places they were created for.

What's Included

Professional guide
Private tour
Tickets
Whisperers

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Please consider that pickup times vary depending on the distance between your hotel and the museum and could vary from 10 to 40 minutes. Please contact me so we can agree a pickup time. I will meet you at he hotel lobby.

OR
Meeting point

I will meet you at the statue of Dante, to the left of the façade. Please arrive 15 minutes before (if you are making your way independently) so we can collect the entrance tickets.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Basilica of Santa Croce

    The most important Franciscan church in Florence is Santa Croce. Inside its impressive walls, this basilica houses a variety of monumental tombs, some of which are masterpieces of Italian Sculpture. They range from the Renaissance to the XIX century and remind us of those commemorated in the "Temple of Italic Glories" (Tempio delle Itale Glorie). Here are the sepulchres of Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Niccolò Machiavelli and Gioacchino Rossini.

    2 hours • Admission ticket not included
  • 2

    The Pazzi Chapel is the work of Filippo Brunelleschi (the architect of the Duomo cupola). It is a great example of Renaissance architecture.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 3

    The museum houses a great number of objects no longer in the church itself, such as paintings by Bronzino, as well as statues and other items.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
Supplied by Irina Willmer

Tags

Half-day Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Architecture Tours
Historical Tours
Art Tours
Walking Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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