The Basilica di Santa Croce is renowned for its fascinating history, beautiful architecture, and the great men buried there.
A timeless Franciscan masterpiece located in the center of Florence, it’s a treasure trove of Italian art and history, and it houses frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue.
The Basilica is also known as the ‘Temple of the Italian Glories,’ as it is the final resting place of luminaries such as Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Gioachino Rossini.
Here’s everything you must know before booking tickets to the Basilica di Santa Croce.
Top Tickets
It’s highly recommended to book your tickets for Basilica di Santa Croce in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
# Entrance Ticket to Santa Croce Basilica Complex
# Florence Santa Croce Church Tour
# Florence Card
Basilica di Santa Croce tickets
There are two main tickets available to tour the Basilica. You have the skip-the-line admission ticket to Santa Croce and the Santa Croce guided tour ticket. Here’s a rundown on the same.
Santa Croce Basilica entrance ticket
Book your skip-the-line ticket for Santa Croce, a majestic 13th-century basilica founded by the Franciscans, and step into a world where tradition, art, and spirituality converge.
Explore priceless masterpieces by Cimabue, Giotto, Brunelleschi, and more, and be inspired by the grand tombs of Italy’s luminaries, such as Dante, Machiavelli, and Michelangelo.
Don’t miss the Pazzi Chapel by Brunelleschi and the serene Franciscan cloisters.
Most areas of the Basilica—like the nave and aisles—are accessible to those with disabilities. However, some chapels require steps and may not be wheelchair-friendly.
While you are permitted to click photos, flash photography and tripods are strictly prohibited inside the Basilica.
Note: Dress modestly and cover your shoulders and legs. Avoid wearing shorts. If you fail to abide by the dress code, you won’t be allowed to enter the Basilica.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (18+ years): €9
Child Ticket (12 to 17 years): €7
Infants Ticket (up to 11 years): Free
Santa Croce guided tour ticket
Book this 1.5-hour tour to kick off your adventure in the main square, where the vibrant Calcio Storico Florentino, a medieval soccer game in historical costumes, takes place every June.
Delve into Santa Croce’s artistic treasures, including Giotto’s stunning frescoes in the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels and Gaddi’s depictions of the basilica’s history in the Cappella Maggiore.
Near the entrance, admire the 19th-century statue of Giovanni Battista Niccolini, the inspiration for the Statue of Liberty.
From here, your guide will take you to the Chapel of Fools, where you can marvel at Donatello’s renowned crucifix and Brunelleschi’s architectural genius.
Explore the monumental cemetery and view artworks damaged and later restored from the 1966 flood.
After discovering the striking polychrome marble façade, your guide will take you through 16 chapels, the Crypt, and the Bell Tower.
As this tour includes a lot of walking, wear comfortable shoes. Also, remember you’ll be denied entry for dress code violations, and no rescheduling or refunds will be provided.
Ticket Prices
English Guided Tour
Adult Ticket (13+ years): €48
Child Ticket (6 to 12 years): €32
Infants Ticket (up to 5 years): Free
Tour in English with Wine Tasting
Ticket Cost: €166 (for 2 people)
Know before booking tickets
Here are some things to keep in mind before booking your tickets.
Knowing these details, from how to book tickets to the best time to visit the Basilica, will help you plan a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Where to book tickets
The Basilica di Santa Croce tickets are available online in advance or at the attraction.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction, and by buying online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.
Moreover, when you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, during peak days they may sell out.
Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Go to the Basilica di Santa Croce ticket booking page, select the number of tickets you want to buy, and then select your preferred date and time.
After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.
Ticket printouts are not required; you just need to show the e-ticket or voucher on your smartphone at the entrance on the day of your visit.
Note: The visitor entrance for ticket or voucher holders is in Largo Bargellini on the left-hand side of the basilica.
Opening hours of Basilica di Santa Croce
Santa Croce is open from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday through Saturday, and the last entry is at 5 pm on those days.
The basilica is also open on Sundays and religious holidays from 12.30 pm to 5.45 pm, and the last entry is at 5 pm.
Note: Santa Croce remains closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua (13 June), the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (4 October), Christmas Day, and Boxing Day (26 December).
How long does the tour take
On average, touring Santa Croce takes about 2 hours. However, this can vary depending on your level of interest and the time you spend exploring the site.
For instance, your visit might take longer if you are an art and history buff or if you plan to attend a guided tour that provides in-depth insights.
Additionally, the Basilica hosts temporary exhibitions and events, which can also influence the duration of your visit.
Some visitors like to spend time at the piazza outside the basilica. This, too, can add more time to your visit.
Best time to visit Basilica di Santa Croce
The best time to visit Santa Croce is when it opens at 9.30 am. The crowds are smaller at this hour, and you can enjoy a quieter and more contemplative experience.
Remember to plan your visit during the weekdays. The Basilica tends to get more crowded on weekends, especially Saturdays when locals and tourists make a beeline for it.
If you are keen on photography, the morning light provides beautiful interior and exterior illumination.
Santa Croce is located in the heart of the city, so consider planning your day to explore other nearby attractions, like Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery.
How to reach the Basilica di Santa Croce
Basilica di Santa Croce is situated on Piazza di Santa Croce, about 800 meters (2624 feet) southeast of the Florence Cathedral.
Address: Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Get Directions.
The Basilica can be reached by car or public transport.
By Bus
Board bus numbers C1, C2, C3, or 23, and get down at Magliabechi, Ghibellina Pepi, Verdi, or Corso Dei Tintori bus stops. Once you deboard, it’s a 2 to 3-minute walk from there to the basilica.
By Car
You can either rent a cab or drive by car. If you are driving, just launch your Google Maps and get started. There are several parking garages around the basilica.
Save time and money! Buy the Florence Card, the key to exploring the city’s top attractions. Visit the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery and get skip-the-line access to Brunelleschi’s Dome. The pass also includes a downloadable audio guide app.
What to expect at Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence
Santa Croce has captivated visitors for over 700 years with its breathtaking Gothic facade, intricate details, and sculptures.
Once you venture inside, you’ll encounter the tombs of Renaissance greats like Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Gioachino Rossini, and Niccolò Machiavelli, as well as stunning frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue.
The Basilica’s 16 chapels are home to remarkable paintings, sculptures, and decorative art.
As an active place of worship, it offers the chance to attend religious services or Mass, blending art and spirituality.
And thanks to its serene atmosphere, Santa Croce also provides a tranquil space for quiet reflection and meditation.
FAQs about Basilica di Santa Croce Florence
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence:
What is the Basilica di Santa Croce, and where is it located?
The Basilica di Santa Croce is a Franciscan church and one of Florence’s most significant religious buildings. It is located in the Piazza Santa Croce, Florence, Italy.
Who is buried in the Basilica di Santa Croce?
The basilica houses the tombs and memorials of several notable historical figures, including Leon Battista Alberti, Michelangelo, Vittorio Alfieri, Leonardo Bruni, Gioachino Rossini, and Galileo.
What is the significance of the Basilica di Santa Croce in art and history?
Santa Croce is known as the ‘Temple of the Italian Glories’ for its historical and artistic importance. It played a central role in Florence and Italy’s cultural and religious development during the Renaissance.
Are guided tours available at the Basilica di Santa Croce?
Yes, guided tours are available at the Basilica di Santa Croce, and these can enhance your experience by providing historical and artistic insights.
Can I attend religious services at the basilica?
Yes, Santa Croce is an active church, and you can attend religious services, including Mass if you wish.
Is there a dress code for visitors to the Basilica di Santa Croce?
All visitors are expected to dress appropriately, covering their shoulders and legs. Disposable robes or kimonos are also available free of charge at the attraction. The complex can get very cold in winter, so we recommend wearing warm clothing. Moreover, Santa Croce is known for its centuries-old steps and floors that are often uneven and slippery. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
Can I take photographs inside the Basilica di Santa Croce?
You can take photographs for your private use without using a flash or tripod, except during religious services. If you wish to take pictures or videos for study, scholarly, commercial, cinema, television, or editorial use, you’ll need prior authorization in writing from comunicazione@santacroceopera.it
Are there facilities at Basilica di Santa Croce for visitors with limited mobility or disabilities?
Access is provided for people with disabilities and their caregivers through the ramp at the basilica’s side or the raised platform at the cloister’s entrance on Piazza Santa Croce. Visitors who can provide a statutory declaration may use the facility with their service dogs if they have vision or hearing impairments.
Is there a luggage storage facility or cloakroom in the Basilica di Santa Croce?
There is no cloakroom or luggage facility at the Basilica, but you can carry umbrellas and trolley cases inside the complex. Visitors with trolley cases are requested not to let the trolley touch the ground to avoid damaging the grave slabs on the basilica floor.
Are there restrooms available at the Basilica di Santa Croce?
Yes, there are restrooms, and these are located in the first cloister, close to the exit.
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!