Step into the Franciscan spirit with this private guided tour dedicated to Santa Croce and the legacy of St. Francis in Florence. Known as the “Temple of the Italian Glories,” Santa Croce is not only the largest Franciscan church in the world but also a place where faith, art, and history meet. Inside, you will encounter magnificent frescoes by Giotto and his followers, masterpieces that narrate the life of St. Francis and express the ideals of humility and devotion central to the Order. The church also houses the tombs and monuments of renowned figures such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Dante’s cenotaph, showing how Florence celebrated its saints and geniuses together.

Your experience continues in the peaceful cloisters of Santa Croce, once home to Franciscan friars, where quiet courtyards and chapels invite reflection. From here, the tour can be extended “beyond” Santa Croce, exploring other Franciscan landmarks in Florence. Options include smaller chapels, convents, or sites that reflect the enduring Franciscan influence on the city’s religious and cultural life.

This tour offers Catholic visitors not just an artistic journey but a chance to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis and encounter Florence’s Franciscan heritage in a profound way.

• Duration: 2.5–3 hours (flexible upon request)

• Included Sites: Santa Croce Basilica (interior), cloisters of Santa Croce

• Highlights: Giotto’s frescoes on the life of St. Francis, Franciscan chapels, tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, peaceful monastic cloisters

• Optional Extensions: Additional Franciscan sites and smaller convents across Florence

• Entrance Fees: Not included – tickets for Santa Croce and extra sites can be arranged in advance

• Accessibility: Most areas are accessible, though some chapels and cloisters may have uneven surfaces

• Dress Code: Modest attire required (shoulders and knees covered) for entry to sacred spaces

• Guide: Licensed private guide with expertise in Catholic heritage and Franciscan spirituality