One of my favorite things about Italy is the magnificent architecture, especially of the churches and cathedrals. I’m not Christian, but I find their history and beauty fascinating. Other than The Vatican, the cathedral in Italy that enraptured me the most when I visited two years ago was the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence. Besides having a commanding physical presence, it is home to the tombs of Michelangelo, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Galileo Galilei, and monument to the writer Dante. Here are some of my photos of the cathedral.
It’s the largest Franciscan church in the world. The original structure was built in the 1200s, with much of it later being added in the 1400s. The marble facade was added in the mid-1800s by a Jewish architect (which explains the prominent Star of David).
In addition to the famous tombs and monuments inside, the museum has many ornate frescoes and paintings, multiple chapels within the church, and a separate exhibit area.
Monument for Dante
Galileo's tomb
The tomb of a knight in the ground
Michelangelo's tomb
Old church music
Robe of St. Francis of Assisi
Have you ever been to the Basilica di Santa Croce?
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I always love visiting churches when I travel!
Kirsten recently posted..NYE, Art & Technology in Berlin: Part 2
I was in Florence and didn’t visit any churches. Thank you for letting me live vicariously!
dtravelsround recently posted..Up-close with elephants: a photo essay of life with an Elephant Nature Park herd
Been there (20 years ago!), and our tour guide told us that on Dante’s tomb, that woman on the right was “poetry” and she’s weeping for the death of Dante. But the running joke is that she looks like she’s sleeping, because it’s so boring. LOL
Beautiful pictures, thanks for sharing!
Great architechture as is usually the case with churches!
Federico recently posted..Swimming With Turtles in Oahu, Hawaii (Video)
I was JUST in Florence. Did we miss each other?
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted..France & Italy With Trafalgar Tours: Day 6 (Part 1)
Italian cathedrals are so much less gaudy than the ones in Latin America (which have their own charm). I’m still interested in seeing the more artistic side to it.
This is so similar to a church I visited in Verona called the San Zeno.
Really great pics. There is a video on youtube that shows the daily life and market in front of this church. If I come across it again I will post it in a comment.
The Wanderfull Traveler
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Florence has so much beautiful architecture. I usually do not care much about churches when I travel (seen a lot I guess), but Florence is a place I wouldn’t mind doing the church tour again.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Foto of the Week from … Lago Puelo – Silhouettes
Thanks for the comments, everyone! Italian churches are just gorgeous.
@Andi: Nope, this was from a trip a while ago. I’m jealous that you were just there!
Was just in Santa Croce this past July… truly a beautiful place to visit~
Margo recently posted..Falling in Love with Chocolate in San Francisco
Florence trips are never complete without visiting the churches!
the photos are so amazing! Thanks!
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