Basilica of Santa Croce

Basilica of Santa Croce

The Basilica of Santa Croce is located in the Piazza di Santa Croce in Florence, Italy. It is the main church of the Franciscan Order in Florence and a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church. For the people of Florence, this basilica serves both as a place of worship and an object of patronage.

As the largest Franciscan church in the world, the Basilica of Santa Croce has attracted significant attention and admiration. Legend has it that the basilica was personally founded by Saint Francis himself. Construction of the current church began in May 1294 to replace the original structure. The building's design reflects the simple style of the Franciscan Order, featuring an Egyptian-style or T-shaped cruciform plan, measuring 115 meters in length. A central nave and two aisles are separated by several rows of octagonal pillars. In the cloister stands a monument to Florence Nightingale, who was born in this city and whose name derives from it. The basilica’s bell tower was built in 1842 to replace the previous one, which was destroyed by lightning.

The Basilica of Santa Croce is the burial site of many of Italy’s most illustrious figures, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Ugo Foscolo, Giovanni Gentile, and Ugo Foscolo, earning it the title "Temple of the Italian Glories."

Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence

Reason to visit: The largest Franciscan church in the world

Continent: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region: Italy[Italy]

Province/State: Tuscany Region [Toscana Region]

City: Florence [Florence]