The Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross) is the major Franciscan church of Florence and is the largest Fransican church in the world.  It was begun in 1294 by the architect Armolfo di Cambio and finished in 1442, with the exception of the facade - which was added in 1857-63.  At the same time the Bell tower was rebuilt to replace the original which had been struck by lightning.  The architect Matas is responsible for the church's distinctive green, pink and white marble facade.

The interior walls of the church are covered with frescoes by Giotto, who also designed the stained glass windows.  Additional chapels were added to the side cloisters - in particular the Pazzi Chapel from around 1430 - which is one of the finest examples of early Renaissance architecture..

The Basilica is referred to as the city Pantheon because of the illustrious citizens entombed there.  You'll find the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Rossini, Charlotte Bonaparte, and a monument to Dante.  

Santa Croce is considered one of the finest examples of Italian Gothic architecture.  Today the Piazza in front of the church is still used for important civic and religious events - including tournaments and jousting, each summer.  To the left of the church, on the Piazza, stands a statue of Dante by Enrico Pazzi.