Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence
Posted by Avital Pinnick on November 5, 2012
Santa Croce is the largest Franciscan church in the world. Its construction began in 1294 and it was consecrated in 1442. Like Westminster Abbey, it houses the tombs of the rich and famous. Incidentally, the prominent Star of David in the facade was the work of the 19th century Jewish architect, Niccolo Matas of Ancona. He is buried under the porch, outside the walls of the church. I couldn’t get a clear shot of the facade because bleachers had been erected in the large square in front of the church. Photograph is permitted in the church, without flash or tripod.
View of the nave, looking towards the main altar.
Nave, looking towards the door:
Machiavelli’s tomb, by Innocenzo Spinazzi:
Michelangelo’s tomb, by Giorgio Vasari:
Dante’s tomb:
Galileo’s tomb:
Frescoes by Giotto:
Giotto altar (1327), commissioned for the Baroncelli family:
In 1966, the Arno River flooded the area, causing considerable damage to the church and its artwork.
This and That 
rifestitch said
Great photos! I realllllyyy want to go to Italy some day…
Avital Pinnick said
You would love it! Start saving! 🙂
Judy said
Absolutely SHOCKING how many famous people are Italian!
Many of these we did not see on our way to Israel in the summer of 1968 when we toured Europe (I was a child – I came with my parents) because they were still repairing damage from that terrible flood.