The Basilica di Santa Croce, a timeless masterpiece located in the center of Florence, draws tourists and art lovers worldwide.
This Franciscan cathedral is a must-see location because of its fascinating history, beautiful architecture, and the allure of famous tombs.
The Basilica di Santa Croce is more than just a place of worship; it is a treasure trove of Italian art and history.
This Franciscan church houses an impressive art collection, including frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue, making it a true hub of Italian creativity.
Known as the “Temple of the Italian Glories,” the basilica is the final resting place for luminaries including Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Gioachino Rossini.
Beyond its historical significance, the Basilica di Santa Croce is an active religious center.
Visitors can attend Mass and other religious services, experiencing the spiritual side of this cultural gem.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets to the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence.
Top Basilica di Santa Croce Tickets
# Entrance Ticket to Santa Croce Basilica Complex
# Florence Santa Croce Church Tour
# Florence Card
Table of contents
- What to expect at Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence
- Where to book tickets
- How do online tickets work
- Basilica di Santa Croce ticket price
- Santa Croce Basilica Complex entrance tickets
- Florence Santa Croce Church Tour tickets
- How to reach the Basilica di Santa Croce
- Opening hours of Basilica di Santa Croce
- How long does the tour take
- Best time to visit Basilica di Santa Croce
- FAQs about Basilica di Santa Croce Florence
What to expect at Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence
The stunning Gothic architecture is the first thing that strikes visitors visiting the Basilica di Santa Croce.
The grand facade and exterior are adorned with intricate details and sculptures, setting the tone for the artistic treasures inside.
Visitors can pay their respects at the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Niccolò Machiavelli, Gioachino Rossini, and others.
You will encounter magnificent frescoes by renowned artists like Giotto and Cimabue.
The 16 chapels house an array of impressive artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative elements.
The basilica is an active place of worship, and you may have the opportunity to attend religious services or Mass.
Its spiritual ambiance and historical significance make it a unique destination for those interested in art and faith.
With its spiritual ambiance, the basilica also allows quiet meditation.
| Basilica di Santa Croce Tickets | Ticket Prices |
|---|---|
| Entrance Ticket to Santa Croce Basilica Complex | €9 |
| Florence Santa Croce Church Tour | €46 |
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.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.
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 your preferred date and time, and choose the number of tickets to buy.
After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.
Ticket printouts are not required.
The visitor entrance for ticket or voucher holders is in Largo Bargellini on the left-hand side of the basilica.
You can show the e-ticket or voucher on your smartphone at the entrance on the day of your visit.
Basilica di Santa Croce ticket price
The Basilica di Santa Croce ticket is priced at €9 for all adults aged 18 years and above.
Children between 12 and 17 years pay a discounted price of €7 for entry.
Infants aged 11 years and below can enter for free.
Santa Croce Basilica Complex entrance tickets
Book this popular skip-the-line admission ticket to Santa Croce, a massive ancient structure that dates back to the early 13th century and is still immaculate today.
Franciscans founded it.
Visit Santa Croce, admire well-known artworks, and get inspiration from this unique complex, where tradition, art, and spirituality are linked.
Marvel the priceless works of art that, throughout the centuries, have made Santa Croce a unique place and a must-visit destination from the time of the “Grand Tour” to the present.
Discover the creations of Cimabue, Giotto, Brunelleschi, Donatello Bronzino, Vasari, and Canova.
Take inspiration from the imposing graves of Italy’s most famous historical luminaries, such as Dante, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Galileo, Alfieri, Rossini, and Foscolo.
Enter the Pazzi Chapel, created by Filippo Brunelleschi, one of the most well-known Renaissance architects.
Cross the cloisters and take in the ambiance of the Franciscan convent as you pass through the historic cenacle.
Remember to dress appropriately, as visitors wearing shorts are not allowed.
Flash photography and tripods are prohibited.
Many parts of the Santa Croce complex are open to visitors with disabilities, while only a few areas have limited access.
The nave and aisles of the basilica are easy to move about in, but the chapels in the transept are on a raised level accessed via a few steps, which cannot be negotiated with a wheelchair.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (18+ years): €9
Child Ticket (12 to 17 years): €7
Infants Ticket (up to 11 years): Free
Florence Santa Croce Church Tour tickets
Book this tour and begin your trip in the main square, where the Calcio Storico Florentino, a famous soccer game played in medieval costumes, is held every June.
Your tour guide will go into great detail about Santa Croce’s enormous artistic wealth, which includes beautiful frescoes by Giotto in the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels that depict scenes from the lives of St. Francis and St. John the Evangelist and frescoes by Gaddi in the Cappella Maggiore that represent the history of “Santa Croce” (1380).
The 19th-century writer Giovanni Battista Niccolini’s statue, which inspired the Statue of Liberty, can be seen as you go to the left of the entry.
Learn about Donatello’s crucifix, one of the wonders of the Renaissance, as you travel inside the holy walls.
You can also learn about Brunelleschi’s art and the flawless architectural harmony of the Chapel of Fools.
See the monumental cemetery and ruined artworks destroyed in the devastating flood of 1966 and later restored.
Learn about the exterior’s polychrome marble façade after exploring the interior.
Finally, the trip will include stops at the 16 chapels, the Crypt, and the Bell Tower.
After the tour lasts around an hour, you can go back and see anything you might have missed.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes and carry your passport or ID card.
Shorts or sleeveless tops and shirts are strictly forbidden.
Knees and shoulders must be completely covered for both men and women.
If you are refused entry due to inappropriate clothing, your tour will not be rescheduled or refunded.
Ticket Prices
English Guided Tour
Adult Ticket (13+ years): €55
Child Ticket (6 to 12 years): €34
Infants Ticket (up to 5 years): Free
Tour in English with Wine Tasting
Ticket Cost: €166 (for 2 people)
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.
How to reach the Basilica di Santa Croce
Basilica di Santa Croce is situated on the 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 any of the nearest bus stops Magliabechi, Ghibellina Pepi, Verdi, or Corso Dei Tintori. Take a 2 to 3-minute walk to reach the basilica.
By Car
You can rent a cab or drive by car.
Launch Google Maps and get started.
There are multiple parking garages around the basilica.
Opening hours of Basilica di Santa Croce
The Basilica di Santa Croce opens from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm from Monday to Saturday.
The last entry is at 5 pm.
On Sundays and religious holidays (Epiphany on 6 January, Assumption on 15 August, All Saints on 1 November, Immaculate Conception on 8 December), the basilica opens from 12.30 pm to 5.45 pm.
These days, the last admission is at 5 pm.
The Basilica di Santa Croce remains closed on New Year’s Day on 1 January, Easter, the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua on 13 June, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on 4 October, Christmas Day on 25 December, Boxing Day on 26 December.
How long does the tour take
On average, a Basilica di Santa Croce visit takes 1 hour to 90 minutes.
However, the duration of a Basilica di Santa Croce tour in Florence can vary depending on your level of interest and the time you spend exploring the site.
If you are an art and history enthusiast who wants to study the details of art and architecture, or if you plan to attend a guided tour that provides in-depth insights, your visit might take longer.
Additionally, the Basilica di Santa Croce often hosts temporary exhibitions and events, so the amount of time you spend there could be influenced by any special exhibitions or activities that may be taking place during your visit.
Some visitors like to spend time in the piazza outside the basilica, enjoying the atmosphere, taking photographs, or simply sitting and reflecting. This can add more time to your visit.
Best time to visit Basilica di Santa Croce
Visiting early in the morning, when the Basilica di Santa Croce opens at 9.30 am, is the best time to avoid large crowds and to enjoy a quieter and more contemplative experience.
The morning light can also be beautiful, enhancing your appreciation of the interior.
Plan your visit on a weekday (Monday through Friday), as the weekends, especially Saturdays, tend to be more crowded due to tourists and locals visiting the basilica.
If you are keen on photography, the morning light can provide beautiful interior and exterior illumination.
Since the basilica is located in the historic heart of Florence, consider planning your day to explore other nearby attractions, like Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, or the Uffizi Gallery.
FAQs about Basilica di Santa Croce Florence
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence:
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, in the historic center of Florence, Italy.
Address: Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Get Directions.
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.
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.
Guided tours are available at the Basilica di Santa Croce. These guided tours can enhance your experience by providing historical and artistic insights.
These tours can be booked in advance online.
Yes, the Basilica di Santa Croce is an active church, and you can attend religious services, including Mass, if you wish.
However, as a mark of respect for all, we kindly ask you to avoid talking and behave appropriately throughout your visit.
All visitors are expected to dress appropriately, covering their shoulders and legs.
Disposable robes are available free of charge.
In summer, visitors wearing clothing that fails to cover their shoulders or legs can ask for a single-use kimono at the ticket office before entering the complex.
The complex can get very cold in winter, so we recommend wearing warm clothing.
We also recommend wearing comfortable shoes every season and being especially careful with our centuries-old steps and floors, which are often uneven and slippery.
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 purposes of study, for scholarly, commercial, or editorial use, or the cinema or television, you must request prior authorization in writing from comunicazione@santacroceopera.it
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.
Only a few spaces in the complex require greater access, and the basilica’s nave and aisles are simple to navigate.
Visitors who can provide a statutory declaration may use the facility with their service dogs if they have vision or hearing impairments.
Umbrellas and trolley cases are allowed inside the complex, but no cloakroom or luggage facility exists.
Visitors with trolley cases are kindly requested not to let the trolley touch the ground to avoid causing damage to the grave slabs on the basilica floor.
The restrooms are located in the first cloister, close to the exit.
Visitors can contact the staff to access the restroom, accommodating people with disabilities.
Popular attractions in Florence