The Basilica di Santa Croce is one of Florence’s most spiritually and artistically treasured landmarks.
This historic Franciscan church is a place of worship and the final resting place of Italy’s greatest minds, including Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini.
Often called the “Temple of the Italian Glories,” it’s filled with remarkable tombs, beautiful frescoes by Giotto, and masterpieces by Cimabue, Donatello, and Brunelleschi.
This guide will walk you through ticket options, opening hours, guided tours, best times to visit, free entry days, and other tips to help you make the most of your time at Basilica di Santa Croce.
Top Tickets
# Gudied tour
# Guided tour with wine tastingSince Basilica di Santa Croce is a popular attraction, it is best to book tickets as soon as your dates are finalized.
When & where to buy tickets for Basilica di Santa Croce
You can book Basilica di Santa Croce tickets either online in advance or directly at the entrance. We think booking online is the smarter choice.
Online tickets are often cheaper than buying them at the gate. Plus, they help you skip the lines at the ticket counter, saving you time and energy.
When you book early, you can also choose your preferred time slot, which is great during busy seasons.
Once you book, you will get a confirmation email with your ticket. Printing the ticket is unnecessary.
On the day of your visit, you must reach the visitor entrance at Largo Bargellini on the left-hand side of the Basilica, show your ticket on your mobile, and enter.
Basilica di Santa Croce tickets
A guided Basilica di Santa Croce tour is the best way to explore one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks.
On this tour, you will learn about the beautiful church and see stunning artwork by Cimabue, Giotto, Brunelleschi, and more.
You will also visit the tombs of Italian legends like Dante, Machiavelli, and Michelangelo—a truly moving experience.
You can choose between two options:
- Guided Tour Only (60 to 90 minutes)
- Guided Tour + Wine Tasting – enjoy a relaxing tasting session after your cultural journey
These tours involve a fair bit of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
Visitors to the Basilica must have their shoulders and knees covered. Dress code violators are not allowed inside the Basilica.
Book Guided Tour Book Tour + Wine TastingOpening hours of Basilica di Santa Croce
The Basilica di Santa Croce is open to visitors most days of the week, but the hours vary slightly.
Monday to Saturday: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Sundays and Religious Holidays: 12:30 pm to 5:45 pm
The last admission is at 5 pm, and the Basilica starts closing at 5:20 pm to help visitors exit smoothly.
Religious holidays include: Epiphany (6 January), All Saints’ Day (1 November), and Immaculate Conception (8 December).
Free entry into Basilica di Santa Croce
You can visit the Basilica di Santa Croce for free on special days throughout the year.
On these days, free entry is available from 12:30 pm to 5:45 pm, and the last admission is at 4:30 pm.
Free entry days include:
- New Year’s Day (1 January)
- Second Sunday of February
- Easter
- Feast of St. Anthony of Padua (13 June)
- Feast of the Assumption (15 August)
- Feast of the Holy Cross (14 September)
- European Heritage Days (27 and 28 September)
- Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (4 October)
- Second Sunday of November
- Sunday before Christmas
- Boxing Day (26 December)
If you plan to visit on one such day, remember to collect the free entry tickets from the Basilica’s ticket office on the day of your visit. Online booking is not available for free entry.
Audio Guide at the Basilica di Santa Croce
Want to explore at your own pace? You can rent an audio guide at the Basilica’s entrance for just €6.
It’s available in Italian, English, French, Spanish, and German, and it’s a great way to learn more about the church’s art, history, and famous tombs as you walk through.
To rent the audio guide, you must leave an original ID (like your passport or driver’s license) as a deposit.
How long does a visit to Santa Croce take?
Most people spend around 50 minutes exploring Santa Croce. If you are into art and history, you might stay longer for deeper insights.
Many visitors also like to relax or take photos in the piazza outside the Basilica, so planning a little extra time is a good idea.
Best time to visit Basilica di Santa Croce
The best time to visit Santa Croce is when it opens at 9:30 am. It’s usually quieter at this hour, so you can enjoy the beauty of the Basilica without the crowds.
Try going on a weekday, as weekends—especially Saturdays—can get busy with tourists and locals.
If you love taking photos, the morning light is perfect for capturing the stunning interior and exterior of the church.
Unlock Florence with one card: Skip the lines, save money, and explore more with the Florence Card. Get fast-track access to top attractions like the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, and Brunelleschi’s Dome—all with one pass.
FAQs about Basilica di Santa Croce, Florence
Here are visitors’ most common questions about the Basilica, along with helpful answers to guide your trip.
What if I arrive late for my timed entry to Santa Croce?
Entry to Basilica di Santa Croce is based on timed quotas, so it’s very important to arrive on time. If you’re more than 15 minutes late, staff may or may not admit you in the next time slot—depending on availability.
Do I need a ticket if I want to pray or attend Mass?
No. Entry is free for those who wish to pray or attend a religious service. Simply inform the staff when you arrive, and they will guide you to the dedicated entrance and worship area.
Are guided tours available at Santa Croce?
Yes, guided tours of Basilica di Santa Croce are available and highly recommended. They provide valuable insight into the art, history, and famous tombs within the Basilica.
Is there a dress code for visiting Santa Croce?
Yes, visitors must dress modestly, covering their shoulders and legs. If needed, free disposable robes are available at the entrance. Also, the Basilica can get very cold in winter, so wearing warm clothes is a good idea.
Can I take photos inside the Basilica di Santa Croce?
You can take photos for personal use, but flash or tripods are prohibited. Photography is not permitted during religious services.
How many chapels are in the Basilica di Santa Croce?
The Basilica features 16 chapels, many beautifully decorated with frescoes by Giotto and his students.
Where is the Basilica di Santa Croce located?
Basilica di Santa Croce is located in Piazza Santa Croce, 800 meters southeast of the Florence Cathedral. Address: Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Get Directions
Who is buried in the Basilica di Santa Croce?
The Basilica is known as the “Temple of the Italian Glories” because it houses the tombs and memorials of many famous Italians, including:
– Michelangelo
– Galileo Galilei
– Gioachino Rossini
– Leon Battista Alberti
– Vittorio Alfieri
– Leonardo Bruni
Can I attend religious services at the Basilica?
Santa Croce is an active Franciscan church, and visitors can attend Mass and other religious services.
Is there a cloakroom or luggage storage at Santa Croce?
No, there’s no luggage storage at the Basilica. However, umbrellas and trolley cases are allowed inside. Visitors with trolleys must not let wheels touch the floor to protect the ancient grave slabs.
Does the Basilica di Santa Croce have parking?
No, the Basilica does not offer on-site parking, but several parking garages are nearby, making it easy to visit if you’re coming by car.
Accessibility at the Basilica
The Basilica di Santa Croce is wheelchair accessible and welcomes visitors with mobility needs. You can enter the Basilica and cloister using a ramp located on the north side of the building (Largo Bargellini), and a raised platform at the cloister exit facing Piazza Santa Croce.
Admission is free for visitors with disabilities and their carers, and there’s no need to book in advance. You’ll also get priority access at the entrance.
Guide dogs with proper certification are welcome to assist visitors with visual or hearing impairments.
If you’re heading to Florence, don’t miss out on this spot! The basilica is where a bunch of famous people are buried. You’ll find some cool paintings by Giotto and two gorgeous cloisters. Plus, check out Cimabue’s “Christ on the Cross” from the 1200s, which got damaged in the 1966 flood. And don’t forget the Pazzi Chapel, named after the well-known Florence family. It’s definitely worth a visit!
Unlike the Duomo, which is all show on the outside but kinda meh inside, this spot is a total win both ways. The interior is a must-see. We went without a guide, and it was super chill with no lines. Florence has loads of churches, but make sure you hit this one up!