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Italy/Things to Do in Florence, couple trip

Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence?

92%Couple-Friendly
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What makes it 92% Couple-Friendly: Couples can share audio guides, join special dawn or themed tours, and enjoy the sunset view from Piazza Santa Croce; only a shortage of inside seating may shorten a romantic linger.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 38,998 reviews)
Santa Croce Basilica - Tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Dante, and Machiavelli in Florence, Italy
24 min
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Santa Croce Basilica - Tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Dante, and Machiavelli in Florence, Italy
9.1K views • 2 years ago

Positives:

  • Free Evening Worship: Join 6 pm Vespers for a quiet spiritual moment at no extra cost
  • Expert Insights: Choose the free 3 pm guided tour for deep dives into art and history

Challenges:

  • Dress Code: Shoulders and legs must be covered; free robes are available at the entrance
  • Photography Rules: No tripods or flash allowed—adjust camera settings for low-light shots
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What is Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence?

  • A Neo-Gothic Franciscan basilica in Florence, Italy, featuring Giotto frescoes and a 19th-century polychrome marble façade
  • An architectural blueprint for subsequent European Catholic churches, blending soaring Gothic vaults with Renaissance chapels and cloisters
  • A pantheon of Italy’s great figures, housing tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli

What is so special about Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence for couple trip?

  1. Explore Giotto’s Renaissance frescoes in the Bardi Chapel
  2. Discover the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli
  3. Join free 3 pm guided tours and 6 pm Vespers
  4. Capture sunset photos on Piazza Santa Croce
  5. Use audio guides or app for English context

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: A couple can leisurely explore the tombs, frescoes and cloisters without rushing

(View Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence

Giotto’s Bardi Chapel Frescoes:

View the early Renaissance fresco cycle by Giotto.

Tip: Rent an audio guide (€4 each online) to learn the chapel’s symbolism at your own pace

Michelangelo’s Tomb:

Pause at Michelangelo’s monument inside the south transept.

Tip: Visit during the 3 pm free guided tour to hear expert insights in Italian (bring earphones and translation app)

Tombs of Italian Greats:

See the tombs of Galileo, Machiavelli and Marconi in the nave.

Tip: Use the Santa Croce app’s self-guided English route to follow their biographical stories

Evening Vespers:

Attend daily Vespers (Mass) at 6 pm without extra ticket.

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early at the reserved entrance and ask staff for directions

Sunset Photo on Piazza Santa Croce:

Stroll the square hand-in-hand as the façade glows at dusk.

Tip: Head outside 30 minutes before sunset for soft light on the marble façade

When is the best time to visit Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence (Florence, Italy)?

Summer afternoons can be crowded and hot—visit early or late. In winter, arrive midday to see sunbeams highlight the frescoes.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Florence on Trip.com

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Reviews of Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence (Florence)

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KlrFking “KFM” McDiller

KlrFking “KFM” McDiller

Sep 2025

Love Santa Croce, the history here is amazing. We were here in the morning during the week day and there was no line at all. There is a large courtyard on the river side of the Basilica with a few other small museums to explore.

Patrick Villacorta

Patrick Villacorta

Aug 2025

May 2025. Seems to be one of the major Church destinations in Florence. A little further out from the core tourist destinations. Paid to enter and was able to also visit the cloisters. Personally, like for some of the churches in Florence, I appreciated the exterior more than the interior. The attached piazza is nice.

Kshira Saagar

Kshira Saagar

Aug 2025

This is a beautiful basilica and a must visit location to admire the pantheon of Italian who’s who. Not only does one get to see the real tombs of the likes of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and more, but you also admire one of the oldest cathedrals built in Florence. Definitely get the audio guide if you are doing a self guided tour and listen in to the interesting stories and descriptions ...

Benjamin Dibble

Benjamin Dibble

Jun 2025

A beautiful basilica with the tombs of some very famous artists. You have to wear appropriate outfits to gain entry, basically just make sure you have long shorts and your arms are covered, you can purchase a shawl or they have shawls insider purchase. The basilica itself is very tranquil and calm, and also very cool on a hot day! They also have various chapels and gardens to explore, with public...

sarosh saeed

sarosh saeed

Jun 2025

It is a Great example of renaissance architecture. But the church is basically a cemetery. Or a cemetery in a church. One has to walk all over the graves to move around. The chapel is fine. The museum is just a namesake. Only a painting or two exist. It's all electronic screens.

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Monumental Complex tickets (2 adults)EUR 20
Audio guide rental (2 via online)EUR 8
Total EstimatedEUR 28

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence

  1. Pre-Book Tickets: Buy your Monumental Complex tickets online to skip the entrance queue
  2. Golden Hour Visit: Time your visit near sunset to capture the façade’s marble in warm light
  3. App-Based Guide: Download the Santa Croce app for English self-guided themed itineraries
🚗 Planning to explore multiple Florence attractions? A rental car often costs less than daily taxi trips. Check Trip.com for deals. New users save up to 8% OFF.

Map of Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence

Address: Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

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About Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence

Opening Hours

Monday:9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday:9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday:9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday:9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday:9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday:9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday:12:30 – 5:45 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+39 055 200 8789

Average price

US$ 16
Book on GetYourGuide

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Average price

US$ 16
Book on GetYourGuide
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