Enjoy a small group tour of the Basilica of Santa Croce, known as the Temple of the Glories of Italy. As a mausoleum for important personalities, it houses the tombs of the painter and sculptor Michelangelo, the author Dante, and the scientist Galileo.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 1.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
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Live tour guide: English, Spanish, Italian
Optional audio guide: English
Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the treasures of Santa Croce and its role during the Middle Ages
Admire the work of important Italian artists including Michelangelo, Donatello, and Brunelleschi
See the magnificent tomb of Michelangelo

Full description

Visit Santa Croce, also known as the Temple of the Glories of Italy, on this guided tour. Santa Croce was at the heart of the Franciscan order, which was known for the mass preaching in the square during the Middle Ages to combat heresy that was very popular with serfs and peasants. The Basilica has served as a mausoleum for Italy’s most important artists, politicians, and philosophers. It is the final resting place of Michelangelo, Dante, and Galileo. Learn from the detailed explanations of your official English-speaking guide. Enjoy the beauty of the art of Donatello and his crucifix, one of the jewels of the Renaissance, as well the the art of Brunelleschi and the perfect architectural harmony of his Chapel of Fools. The Church bears the marks of history, including those left by the tragic flood of 1966 that damaged several paintings and destroyed the monumental cemetery, which was subsequently restored and is part of this tour.

Includes

Admission ticket to Santa Croce
Guided tour with an official local guide
Earphones for larger groups
Monolingual guided tour

Covid-19 precautions

Traveler requirements

All participants who are 12 years and older must present a Green Pass that is valid in the EU and has a verifiable QR code. Valid Green Passes can be obtained by uploading either proof of vaccination, proof of a Covid-19 infection within the last 6 months, a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before the activity starts, or a negative antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before the activity starts to the Green Pass or Covid Certificate apps
All participants must also bring a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g. passport, driver's license, etc)

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Meeting point

Meeting point varies depending on option booked.

Important information

What to bring

Passport or ID card
Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Pets
Smoking
Luggage or large bags
Short skirts

Know before you go

Please note that visitors are asked to behave and dress appropriately and observe silence in the Church

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 28 reviews

Review summary

Guide
5/5
Value for money
4.3/5
Service
4.8/5
Organization
4.6/5

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Francesca is the perfect guide

It cannot be easy to tell what your group is interested in after just a few minutes introduction but Francesca did a wonderful job. A perfect teacher to her small group of students! We learnt so much about the astonishing history of Santa Croce and how important it was and is to the history of the region and indeed the whole world. Thank you so very much.

October 14, 2017

Brilliant history if art lesson

We were a small group of four with tour guide Samuele (Sam) . He had a very interesting way of presenting the tour as a historical timeline which worked very well. Sadly we had to leave early because of a Misunderstanding about the booking of an earlier double tour. However we didn't miss too much and really enjoyed the visit.

May 24, 2017

Very good , fabulous experienced knowledgable guide Alessandro

We really enjoyed this tour , with experienced knowledgeable guide Alessandro . She knew so much about the history , art , sculptures and architecture we were a small group ,she spoke very good English , would strongly recommend this excellent and most enjoyable tour . As it was our first trip to Florence , it was so good to have a great guide .

October 19, 2016

Florence: Entrance and Guided Tour of Santa Croce

Florence: Entrance and Guided Tour of Santa Croce

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Experience

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Francesca is the perfect guide

Brilliant history if art lesson

Very good , fabulous experienced knowledgable guide Alessandro

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