Santa Croce Basilica

You are now standing in front of the Basilica of Santa Croce, often considered the largest Franciscan church in the world. The Franciscans are a Catholic order of friars who follow the ideal of poverty and humility passed down by Saint Francis of Assisi since the 13th century. Construction began in 1294, and the basilica was completed at the end of the 14th century before being consecrated in 1443.

Its facade, however, was not added until much later, in the 19th century. At 115 meters long, Santa Croce is impressive for its sheer size and the richness of its interior decor. But it is not merely a church: it is also a true Italian pantheon.

Here, you can admire monuments dedicated to great figures such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, as well as the cenotaph of Dante, whose actual remains rest in Ravenna. This place of remembrance, steeped in history and art, has deeply moved visitors throughout the centuries. If you decide to step inside, you might even be struck by Stendhal syndrome...

This rare but real condition is named after the man who fell victim to it during his visit to Florence. This great art lover was so dazzled by the beauty of the frescoes and decorations in the Basilica of Santa Croce that he was overcome with dizziness and an unprecedented wave of emotion, brought on by the overwhelming admiration he felt during his visit. He walked out with his heart racing, and gave his name to this phenomenon, which is also known as 'Florence syndrome'!