Florence visitors simply cannot miss to visit Piazza Santa Croce – this is one of the most beautiful squares in Florence and in the world. You can easily find it from every hotel in downtown. Just move your feet to historic center and pass Piazza della Signoria and Borgo dei Greci. If you are not sure you understand the direction, ask a Florence map in your hotel. Usually they give maps for free.

Here, 15 minutes from Duomo, is located this masterpiece. You can also find Santa Croce church nearby. Both church and piazza were built in medieval times. They served for religious purposes – ceremonies in Santa Croce were frequent and attracted many people so piazza needed to hold them all. Also quite often it was used for various holiday activities like festivals, rides or different games. One of them, Calcio storico or Historical Football, took place at Piazza Santa Croce annually at San Giovanni day (the 24th of June). Certainly, this wasn’t a football in our modern sense. For us this game would remind more Rugby than football. This game was unbelievably popular and attracted people from the whole city as teams representing Florence districts participated and first place in this game was honorable and widely celebrated.

After you explore piazza, go to Santa Croce church that is made between 13 and 14 century. The church facade, however, was rebuilt in 19th century. Approximately at the same time famous Dante Alighieri statue was added. Both are featuring wonderful neogothical style to fit the existing square and church. Experts assume, original church was made by Pietro Maria Bardi and all enhancements were created by Roberto Manetti. As you step into the church, you will be amazed by mosaics and frescos made by famous Florence masters. Some of them have engraved famous and noble Florence citizens who made donations to create this church.

Santa Croce church is also used as a crypt for famous people. Some of them are widely known even today as these are well known politicians, scientists or artists that have contributed much to world’s development. These are Michelangelo, Ugo Foscolo, Gioacchino Rossini, Galileo Galilei, Vittorio Alfieri, Leon Battista Alberti and many others. Once this church was full of gold masterpieces of religious character, but in order to provide safety for them, a museum was built nearby where you can see various ancient treasures.