Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence

This was such a great surprise. We had purchased our tickets on line but when we got there we had to register each ticket on their website. The staff knew what to do but it still took 10-15 minutes to complete before we could get in. The Basilica is incredible! Just wait till you see who all of greats are buried here. The place has so many neat and sweet surprises. Go here!

This is absolutely my favorite of all the Churches in Florence and possibly second only to Saint Peter's in Rome. So many famous and historical figures are buried here: Michaelangelo and Galileo would have been enough but it's a long list. The artwork is stunning and I can't do justice to the beauty of the church here. Absolute must see!!

Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli are all buried very close to each other, and their tombs are all decorated very beautifully. (Dante has a tomb in the church, but it is empty. He’s actually buried in Ravenna.) The basilica itself is very peaceful and reverent. We enjoyed the art and grounds made available for visitors. It is very much worth a ticket for the variety of an experience that it offers.

Amazing history and beautiful architecture! Make sure to keep a bottle of water and umbrella during the hot summer months. There are coffee, wine and beer shops along the way. Also, watch for pickpocketing.

This church is a must see with Michelangelo tomb and Machiavelli tomb. Absolutely beautiful art on wall and ceilings. A dozen alters, museum, courtyard. There unfortunately is no gift shop. Lovely area.