Basilica of Santa Croce

Why go

This record is the basilica; the museum and cloisters beside it belong to the same monumental complex, and the square in front is not the record. The Opera di Santa Croce says the complex is owned by the Interior Ministry's Fondo Edifici di Culto and the City of Florence and managed by the Opera, a secular non-profit body, in accordance with the owners; it names the community of the Conventual Franciscan friars (Frati Minori Conventuali) as the one that has animated the basilica's spiritual life since its foundation. Its history pages describe about 250 graves in the floor and monumental tombs including Michelangelo's, designed by Vasari, Galileo's and Machiavelli's. The Opera's visit page says tickets are sold at the complex's ticket office or online, and recommends booking online. Hours and prices are set by the Opera, so check its site before you go.