Santa Croce Basilica is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with a façade clad in polychrome marble. This is the ancient church in which the Franciscan friars chose to set up and begin treating pelts and leather and meditate in peace in a place that was, at that time, located outside the city walls. We will admire, from close up, the beautiful frescoes by Giotto and Agnolo Gaddi, the “Crucifix” and “Annunciation” by Donatello and the world-famous funerary monuments and tombs of illustrious figures from the past such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Next, we will enter the elegant “Brunelleschi Cloister” bordered by columns carved from pure stone, and then pass into the fourteenth-century “Ancient Cloister” at the end of which lies the beautiful “Pazzi Chapel”, a sublime example of Renaissance harmony, also the work of Brunelleschi.
After visiting the Basilica and cloisters, there will be a chance to visit a workshop that goes back to the 13th century, when the Franciscan monks first settled in this area on the banks of the river Arno. The earliest hide and leather working activity was established here, where the large quantities of water required for leather processing are freely available. The Franciscan monks of the Santa Croce monastery dedicated their efforts to this activity, and their leather-working techniques have been preserved over the centuries by the master craftsmen who still work in the delightful old workshops at the School of Leather (except on Saturday and Sunday), which you will be visiting; an extraordinary Renaissance workshop adjacent to the Basilica, where history, tradition and exceptional quality are combined to produce authentic Florentine craftwork. A real "top must see” amazing place.
This is the church to do a guide with. The intricate things that were pointed out in the historical background of the church would be completely missed if we tried to tour ourselves. Well done!
By far the best tour of the trip to Florence. Ilaria our tour guide was exceptional and knowledge of 15th-18th century art, ruling Medici family and all the supporting characters of that time and roles they played to architecture, churches, buildings was beyond expectations. It truly linked the previous tours during the prior days, David, Doumo and surrounding sites to understand the timeframe and relevance of each. Highly recommend Ilaria to anyone that wants to understand Florence and its immense history.
Our private tour with Lisa, our guide from Florence Pass, was exceptional in every way. She was very friendly and particularly knowledgeable about Santa Croce, its history and its art. Her English was excellent.
A truly spectacular guided tour of Santa Croce. Marta was an outstanding guide - she made art and history come to life. It was a fascinating window into Italian culture and the special place of Florence in the world of Western Art. Don’t miss this.
Wonderful experience. Ilaria was a spectacular guide. She answered all of our questions and was very knowledgeable about the basilica, the school, and the entire city of Florence.
Ilaria was an excellent guide! Very knowledgeable about the city and of the basilica and leather school. She was able to answer all of our questions and was delighted to do so. I highly recommend Ilaria!
Our walking tour of the Santa Croce Basilica with Marta was an unforgettable experience. As a Florence native with a degree in art restoration, she brought a unique and personal perspective to the tour. Her deep knowledge of the church’s history and artwork made every detail come alive. Marta also guided us through the on-site leather school, where we learned about traditional craftsmanship and purchased beautiful artisan leather goods. Her passion for Florence and its heritage was evident throughout the tour. A truly enriching and memorable experience.
Andrea was very passionate and knowledgeable of the history and art of the basilica. We will definitely recommend this tour to friends and family!
We've been here multiple times and truly love Florence. As far as the Basilica's they are all excellent. We always got to the leather school but this time it seemed like it lacked much of what they use to have, leather bracelets and other goods they usually have in stock. I do know that the leather belts went from 45 Euro's to 60 which is pretty steep. I know the money goes to the school but abit steep. Hoping next time they have more items to choose from so we can purchase more!!!
Ilaria was very attentive and knowledgeable. She enhanced our tour tremendously! Your included personal tour of the leather school.
Laura was great! Very knowledgeable and willing to answer all questions. Leather school NOT at all what we had hoped for. Thought we would be talking and involved with the school staff and skills
Our guide was amazing and very knowledgeable. There wasn’t a question she couldn’t answer. Enjoyed the tour very much. I could never have understood what I was seeing to the depth she gave us.
Wow, I got so much out of this tour! Totally recommend if you are in any way interested in Florentine history, art, politics and culture. A point to note! The start is not out front of the Basilica as could be indicated on the ticket and website. The wording of the start site says at the entry. If you are not familiar with the location it is easy to think this is at the front facing the Piazza. The entry is at the side of the building. Thankyou for a wonderful experience! I learned much that has added to an already fabulous stay and laid foundation for the remainder of my time in Florence.
What a lovely morning tour with Marta! The basilica is full of art, architecture, tombs, and history. Marta was knowledgeable and able to answer our many questions while guiding us through the property. After several group tours, it was a treat to have a guide to ourselves. We are not educated in art history but have a keen interest in it, and Marta provided all of the information in a very approachable way for novices. We loved discussing the works and asking her more about the things we found intriguing. The tour of the basilica and convent was about two hours. We were taken to the leather school at the end, and we had a brief discussion of it. Be aware this is not a detailed tour of the leather school, with the tour’s focus being on the basilica. If you’re interested in going more in-depth at the leather school, you will find the staff there helpful and patient. We spent an additional hour with Francesca while learning about the school and making several purchase selections, many of which were customized before our eyes and gorgeously packaged. .
Andreus was very knowledgeable about the church , the monuments, and history. His English was extremely good and he was patient. Excellent tour!
Andrea was an exceptional tour guide and really brought it all to life. Very knowledgeable and respectful of the exhibits. A very enjoyable tour.
Awesome experience thank you for everything. Guide with Really good knowledge about the basilica. Really recommended.
<p>So much information! Seeing Santa Croce is a beautiful experience, but our guide was able to share history, personality, and glorious stories not only about the Basilica and its history, but also of the pantheon of Florentines interred therein. Highly Recommended.</p>
Fantastic experience, full of suggestion, enriched by the qualified and competent presence of the guide Elena belonging to the STAR FLORENCE Thank you Elena for the emotions you made us live.
Wir hatten eine sehr interessante Führung durch die Kirche. Andrea, unser Guide, hat ein sehr breites Wissen und hat uns damit auch verschiedene Geschichten der Stadt näher gebracht. Er machte uns auch auf viele Details aufmerksam, welche wir ohne ihn nie gesehen hätten. Der Besuch der Lederschule war ebenfalls interessant, auch wenn es Covid-bedingt gewisse Einschränkungen gab. Ich würde diese Führung und insbesondere auch Andrea als Guide wärmstens empfehlen, wenn Sie Florenz besuchen.
A trip back in time, a historical break in tribute to the great Florentines. Beautiful paintings of Giotto and statues of Galileo, Dante and others. A huge church, every corner is a delight. Must see during your stay in Firenze.
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