Florence: Santa Croce Basilica Guided Tour
See iconic renaissance frescoes and the tombs of Galileo and Machiavelli with an expert
Finding your way alone through Santa Croce Basilica, one of the largest churches in Florence, means missing its famous features. With a provided guide and ticket, this tour leads you straight to the Renaissance artworks and historic memorials that matter most. Learn how art changed over time while visiting the tombs of Italy's most famous scientists and artists. You will visit the Bardi Chapel and stand by the final resting places of Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, and Niccolò Machiavelli.
What You Get With This Tour
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Santa Croce Basilica entry tickets
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Access to the Pazzi Chapel
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Giotto frescos
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Italy’s Hall of Fame
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Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide at Piazza di Santa Croce
Your tour starts in the square right outside the church. After meeting your guide by the Dante statue, you'll learn a bit about the area's history before heading inside the building to start the tour of the interior. -
2
See the tombs of famous Italians
Next, you'll walk through the main part of the church to find the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Your guide explains who these people were and why their monuments are so important to the history of Italy. -
3
Visit the chapels and cloisters
Then, you will go into the side chapels to see the old frescoes painted by Giotto. You’ll also walk out to the cloisters to see the Pazzi Chapel, which is famous for its simple and balanced Renaissance architecture. -
4
Your tour finishes at the museum
Finally, you will see the Cimabue Crucifix in the museum area. The tour ends here, which puts you in a great spot to go check out the local neighborhood nearby.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Dress Code: Santa Croce is a place of worship, so both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders. Guests who do not meet the dress code may be refused entry by security officials. Please refrain from wearing sports jerseys or athletic tops.
Accessibility: This experience is wheelchair accessible, though some areas include uneven floors and historic surfaces. Please reach out to us in advance if you have any mobility concerns.
Bag Policy: Entrance to the basilica is not allowed with helmets, glass objects, large backpacks, or luggage.
Please Note: Visitors are asked to behave appropriately and observe silence inside the church.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 1.5-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Entrance tickets to Santa Croce Basilica
Audio headsets
Maximum group size of 15
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Clothing that covers knees and shoulders
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, children are welcome to join the tour. Strollers are allowed inside the building.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
This tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible as the church and cloisters are mostly flat. Just be aware that there are some old, uneven stone floors like you would find in most historic buildings.
What time should I arrive?
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour starts. This gives your guide enough time to check everyone in and hand out the headsets so the tour can start on time.
Are there restrictions on what I can bring inside?
For security reasons, large backpacks, luggage, and glass objects are not permitted inside the basilica. We recommend bringing a small bag and leaving larger items at your accommodation.
