Basilica di Santa Croce
Monuments Florence Tuscany Italy
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Basilica di Santa Croce
In 1294 Arnolfo di Cambio designed and constructed a masterpiece of Gothic art, the Basilica di Santa Croce. The design was based on the Egyptian cross, and divided into three naves and a chancel. The Basilica is full of chapels which were reserved for the wealthier families of the area. The church was finished in 1442, except the undecorated facade, and consecrated by Pope Eugene IV. The facade was eventually finished between 1857 and 1863.
The interior is covered in frescos by Giotta and his school, they also designed the stained glass windows and today the Basilica is a museum of Florentine Trecento painting! Cosimo de Medici orchastrated the addition of the Chapel of Novitiate, completed 1445, designed by Michelozzo and decorated by Mino da Fiesole and Andrea della Robbia. Filippo Brunelleschi designed the Pazzi Chapel in 1430, under the sponsorship of Andrea de' Pazzi, and the Cloister of the Convent, which was completed by Bernardo Rossellino.
You will find fine examples of Renaissance sculptures with in the church, including those by Donatello, Benedetto da Maiano, Antonio Rossellono, Bernardo Rossellino and Desiderio da Settignano.
The Basilica di Santa Croce is also the burial place to many of Florence's most famous citizens including, Michelangelo and Galileo Galilei.
Open: Weekdays 8am-6.30pm
Telephone: +39 055 244619
Price for combined ticket Basilica and Museo: €4
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Italy Tourism (Site Map) |
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Basilica di Santa Croce - Monuments Florence Tuscany Italy