Your single ticket gives you access to the treasures of the Monumental Complex which includes the Basilica, the cloisters, and the Museo dell'Opera.
The Basilica, with its T-shaped base and three naves, was built in the tradition of Franciscan convents. One of the most beautiful churches of Florence and the largest Franciscan church in the world, the Basilica of Santa Croce is also known as the Temple of the Italian Glories, as many important artists, writers and scientists are buried here. You will be able to see the most important sepulchers (including those of Michelangelo Buonarroti, Galileo Galilei, Niccolò Machiavelli), the tombs in the pavement, the altars by Vasari, and the many chapels with frescoes of the most important Italian artists from the 12th century (Giotto, Agnolo Gaddi, and others).
The Primo Chiostro or “main cloister” was built in the 14th century. It houses the Pazzi Chapel and the Funeral Gallery from the 18th century, as well as the Pietro Parigi Museum, dedicated to the works by the Florentine woodcut artist active in Santa Croce from 1965 to 1983 (Small Ancient Cloister). The 15th century cloister is placed between the Museo dell'Opera and the rear of the National Library.
TheMuseo dell'Operais housed mainly in the refectory, between the 14th and the 15th century cloisters. Here you will have the opportunity to see such works of art as the Crucifix by Cimabue, the frescoes with the Last Supper, The Tree of Life by Taddeo Gaddi, the statue of San Ludovico by Donatello, the Descent of Christ into Limbo by Agnolo Bronzino, the Funeral Monument to Gastone della Torre by Tino di Camaino, terracottas by the Robbia family, and stained glass windows, some of which are attributed to Giotto.
Duration of the visit to all three areas is about 2 hours (2.5 hours with audio guide).