| What makes it historical? |
The first basilica was built over an early Franciscan oratory around 1295, and though traditionally the Franciscan Order was based in poverty and simplicity, this basilica got its funding and design from several upper class families from around Florence! The frescoes depicting stories from the New Testament developed through the 1300s at the hands of such notables as Giotto and his followers, Taddeo Gaddi, Bernardo Daddi and Maso di Banco!
Starting with Leonardo Bruni, Chancellor of the Republic, in 1444, Santa Croce slowly filled with monuments to the deceased. Here lie in slumber many of the great minds of the Renaissance: Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? |
HERE’S HOW:
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Donate to the Opera di Santa Croce!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
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