Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School
Visit the Santa Croce Basilica in Florence, a stunning Gothic architectural masterpiece known for its colorful marble façade. Once a sanctuary for Franciscan friars, the basilica houses remarkable frescoes by Giotto and Agnolo Gaddi, along with notable works by Donatello and the tombs of renowned figures like Michelangelo and Galileo.
Explore the Brunelleschi Cloister and the Pazzi Chapel, an example of Renaissance perfection. Afterward, visit a historic workshop where artisans uphold a 13th-century leather craftsmanship tradition, producing authentic Florentine leather goods. This experience combines art, history, and exceptional craftsmanship, making it a must-visit in Florence.
Options
Afternoon Option
Private Guided Tour departing at 02.30pm
What's included in Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Basilica of Santa Croce
Santa Croce Basilica is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with a façade clad in polychrome marble. This is the ancient church in which the Franciscan friars chose to set up and begin treating pelts and leather and meditate in peace in a place that was, at that time, located outside the city walls. We will admire, from close up, the beautiful frescoes by Giotto and Agnolo Gaddi, the “Crucifix” and “Annunciation” by Donatello and the world-famous funerary monuments and tombs of illustrious figures from the past such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Next, we will enter the elegant “Brunelleschi Cloister” bordered by columns carved from pure stone, and then pass into the fourteenth-century “Ancient Cloister” at the end of which lies the beautiful “Pazzi Chapel”, a sublime example of Renaissance harmony, also the work of Brunelleschi.
Scuola del Cuoio
After visiting the Basilica and cloisters, there will be a chance to visit a workshop that goes back to the 13th century, when the Franciscan monks first settled in this area on the banks of the river Arno. The earliest hide and leather working activity was established here, where the large quantities of water required for leather processing are freely available. The Franciscan monks of the Santa Croce monastery dedicated their efforts to this activity, and their leather-working techniques have been preserved over the centuries by the master craftsmen who still work in the delightful old workshops at the School of Leather (except on Saturday and Sunday), which you will be visiting; an extraordinary Renaissance workshop adjacent to the Basilica, where history, tradition and exceptional quality are combined to produce authentic Florentine craftwork. A real "top must see” amazing place.
Inclusions
- Earphones for groups of more than 7 participants
- Local professional Guide at your side
- Basilica of Santa Croce
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Everything not mentioned as Included
- Gratuities
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Starting Time: Morning Option at 11:00 am - Afternoon Option at 02.30 pm Meeting with the guide at the entrance of Santa Croce Basilica
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• Starting Time: Morning 11:00am - Afternoon 2.30pm • The private Local guide is available for 1.5 hour • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. • Please be aware that in case of no-show, the guide will wait for you for a maximum of 30 minutes from the tour departure time. After that time, if nobody informed us about the delay, they are entitled to leave and no refund will be granted to any client who is not at the departure point at the established time. • We remind you that places of worship may be closed in case of any possible religious event not scheduled yet
