Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence

Michelangelo’s grave, protected from three statues that represent the painting, the sculpture and the architecture, contends the entrance of the Basilica to Galileo Galilei, who lies in front of the artist. A little forward there’s Dante’s cenotaph (his mortal remains are in Ravenna, where he was dead). Follow Vittorio Alfieri, Antonio Canova, Nicolò Machiavelli, Gioacchino Rossini and Ugo Foscolo. The latter defined Santa Croce as the place where were preserved “le urne dei forti” (“the mortal remains of the greats”). But Santa Croce isn’t just a collection of tombs of the greatest Italian people. Indeed, at the end of the Church, there are the Chapels frescoed by Giotto with the histories of San Francesco’s life. In the Pazzi Chapel, where Giuliano de’ Medici was killed and Lorenzo the Magnificent was injured in a conspiracy, it’s kept a crucifix made by Cimabue.

When: Everyday from 9,30 am to 5,30 pm Sunday and Catholic Festivities (6th January, 15th August, 1st November, 8th December) from 1 pm to 5,30 pm. Easter Monday, 25th April, 1st May, 2nd June, from 9,30 am to 5,30 pm.
Never: 1st January, Easter, 13th June, 4th October, 25th/26th December.
Tickets: 5 €
Attention: The tickets can only be bought at the ticket office of the Santa Croce’s Opera.