The Basilica of Santa Croce

The Museum of the Opera of Santa Croce

Next to the basilica is the Museum of the Opera of Santa Croce. Here, priceless works of art are preserved, allowing us to immerse in Florence’s creative and spiritual atmosphere.

One of the Museum’s most precious pieces is undoubtedly Cimabue’s “Crucifix.” This work, dating from around 1280, will forever symbolize the tragedy of the flood that hit Florence in 1966.

With a suffering face and closed eyes, Christ is represented in a realistic and moving pose. The body is thin and deformed by suffering. The golden background, typical of Byzantine art, creates a mystical and solemn atmosphere.

Cimabue’s “Crucifix” is one of Italy’s earliest examples of Gothic art and has influenced generations of artists.

The Crypt of Santa Croce

Beneath the Basilica of Santa Croce lies a labyrinth of underground corridors and rooms known as the crypt. Constructed in 1294, the crypt has been used as a burial place for centuries and still holds the remains of many important people. Over the centuries, the crypt has undergone numerous renovations and adaptations, reflecting its changing functions and evolving appearance.

On the walls of the crypt are frescoes of great historical and artistic value, telling stories and legends related to the basilica.

The Sacristy

The sacristy of Holy Cross is a cozy and richly decorated room. Here, the friars prepared for liturgical celebrations and gathered to discuss religious matters. The sacristy is decorated with frescoes of great artistic value, depicting biblical scenes and figures of saints.

The Cloister

The cloister of Santa Croce is a place of great serenity, where the friars could stroll and meditate. This open space, surrounded by arcades and a garden, is an oasis of peace in the heart of the city.

Architecture

The cloister of Santa Croce is an example of Florentine Gothic architecture. Its pointed arches and slender columns create a light and airy atmosphere.

The garden

In the center of the cloister is a garden where the friars grew medicinal herbs and vegetables. Today, the garden is a charming place where one can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

The Pazzi Chapel

Inside the cloister is the Pazzi Chapel, one of Filippo Brunelleschi‘s most famous works. This small chapel, with its Greek cross plan and dome, is considered one of the masterpieces of Renaissance architecture.

The Chapels of Santa Croce

The Basilica of Santa Croce houses a series of chapels, each of these has a unique history and a collection of works worth admiring.

Bardi Chapel

One of the most famous chapels in Santa Croce is the Bardi Chapel. Decorated by Giotto, this chapel is considered a masterpiece of Gothic art. Giotto’s frescoes depict scenes from the lives of St. John the Baptist and St. Stephen.

Peruzzi Chapel

Located opposite the Bardi Chapel, the Peruzzi Chapel is also decorated by Giotto. The frescoes in this chapel depict scenes from the life of St. John the Evangelist.

Rucellai Chapel

The Rucellai Chapel is famous for its architecture, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The chapel is decorated with frescoes by Giorgio Vasari and his workshop.

Brancacci Chapel

Located in the right aisle of the basilica, the Brancacci Chapel is famous for its frescoes, created by Masaccio, Masolino da Panicale and Filippino Lippi. These frescoes depict scenes from the life of St. Peter and are considered among the most important examples of Renaissance art.

Tornabuoni Chapel

The Tornabuoni Chapel is decorated with frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli, depicting scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist and the Holy Family.

Medici Chapel

Located in the basilica’s left aisle, the Medici Chapel is another chapel of great importance. Decorated by Giorgio Vasari, the chapel houses the tombs of several members of the powerful Medici family.

Scrovegni Chapel

Although not located within the basilica itself, the Scrovegni Chapel, located nearby, is closely associated with Santa Croce. Decorated by Giotto, this chapel is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of medieval art.

Distinguished Burials in Santa Croce

Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564)

Upon entering Santa Croce, in the right aisle, one cannot fail to notice the monumental tomb of Michelangelo. It is a true celebration of Renaissance art. The tomb, designed by Giorgio Vasari, is a triumph of colored marble and allegorical sculptures. Three female figures, representing Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, mourn the loss of the great master. Above the sarcophagus, Michelangelo’s bust seems to gaze pensively toward the altar. There is an air of melancholy grandeur about this monument, which perfectly reflects the spirit of the great artist.

Fun fact: His body was stolen from Rome and brought to Florence in a woolen bale!

Dante Alighieri (1265-1321)

Location: main entrance, on the right, about a third of the way down the aisle. This extraordinary Tuscan poet was exiled from Florence for his political activities in 1302 and was not allowed to return. And if you wonder, despite insistence that his physical remains be returned, they still have not forgiven him for his “indiscretion.” This is not exactly a tomb, but a cenotaph: an empty tomb or monument erected in honor of a person or group of people whose remains are located elsewhere.

Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)

Moving to the left aisle, we find the tomb of Galileo Galilei. Interestingly, this was erected almost a century after the scientist’s death, when the Church finally rehabilitated him. The monument, the work of Giulio Foggini, is imposing and full of symbolism. 

A bust of Galileo dominates the composition, surrounded by allegorical figures representing Geometry and Astronomy. The globe at his feet is a clear reference to his revolutionary astronomical theories. There is something ironic and powerful about seeing Galileo honored in a church, considering his history with the Inquisition.

Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527)

We return to the right aisle to view the tomb of Niccolò Machiavelli. Unlike the previous ones, this one is surprisingly modest. A simple plaque with a bust of the author of “The Prince” and the inscription “Tanto nomini nullum par elogium” (No eulogy is equal to so great a name). The simplicity of this tomb contrasts sharply with the enormous influence Machiavelli has had on modern political thought. It is almost as if the sobriety of the monument is intended to balance the complexity and controversy of his ideas.

Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)

We cannot fail to mention the tomb of Gioachino Rossini, located in the left aisle. This monument, created by Giuseppe Cassioli, is a true tribute to opera. The figure of Rossini is represented by a seated person holding a musical score. Around him, allegorical figures represent his most famous works. There is a sense of movement and musicality in this monument that almost seems to want to translate the great composer’s melodies into marble.

Ugo Foscolo (1778-1827)

It is worth stopping at Ugo Foscolo’s tomb. Located in the right aisle, this tomb has a special history. Foscolo died in exile in England, and his remains were brought back to Italy in 1871. The monument, by Pasquale Romanelli, shows the poet sitting in a pensive attitude. There is a certain irony in the fact that the author of “I Sepolcri,” a poem celebrating Santa Croce as a pantheon of illustrious Italians, ended up buried here.