Basilica of Santa Croce

The Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence is the main Franciscan church of the city and is known as the resting place of notable Italians like Michelangelo and Galileo. It’s recognized for its sixteen chapels, many decorated with frescoes by Giotto and his students, and it once served as a home to Franciscan monks.

Famous architect Filippo Brunelleschi designed one of the main features of the Basilica, the Primo Chiostro, or main cloister. Today, tourists can visit the Scuola del Cuoio, or Leather School, which operates in the former dormitory of the Franciscan friars, where leather goods are crafted and sold.