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Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School

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Florence, IT

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Florence, IT

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Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Florence with a private guided visit to Santa Croce Basilica and an ancient leather school. Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of the basilica, adorned with polychrome marble and adorned with frescoes by renowned artists such as Giotto and Donatello. Explore the elegant cloisters, including the exquisite "Pazzi Chapel" designed by Brunelleschi. Then, step into a workshop that dates back to the 13th century, where skilled craftsmen continue to preserve the centuries-old leather-working techniques of the Franciscan monks. Discover the secrets of authentic Florentine craftwork and witness the creation of exceptional quality leather products. This exclusive 90-minute experience is a must-see for anyone who wants to delve into the artistic and cultural heritage of Florence.

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
Admission Not Included
1 hours 30 minutes
Suitable for 1-8 Participants
Private Tour
Guided Experience

Highlights

Stunning Gothic Basilica with beautiful frescoes
World-famous funerary monuments and tombs of illustrious figures
Elegant Brunelleschi Cloister bordered by carved stone columns
Visit an extraordinary Renaissance leather workshop
Preservation of century-old leather-working techniques

Included

Earphones for groups of more than 7 participants
Local professional Guide at your side

Not included

Basilicas Admission Ticket (to be paid on the spot) Full price ticket: € 8,00; Reduced price ticket: € 6,00 for children 11 to 17 years; Free admission for: children younger than 11 years old Family ticket: full price ticket: € 8,00 for adults and free admission for children younger than age 18
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Everything not mentioned as Included

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the best of Florence with a private guided visit to Santa Croce Basilica and the ancient Leather School. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore a stunning Gothic Basilica and its magnificent Cloisters, followed by an exclusive visit to a historical Leather Workshop. Immerse yourself in the rich history, art, and craftsmanship of Florence as you discover these remarkable sites.

What to expect?

During this 90-minute tour, you can expect to be captivated by the beauty and grandeur of Santa Croce Basilica. Marvel at the intricate details of its Gothic architecture, adorned with a facade clad in polychrome marble. Step inside and be mesmerized by the exquisite frescoes by Giotto and Agnolo Gaddi, the magnificent sculptures by Donatello, and the famous funerary monuments of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. As you explore the Basilica, immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of its Brunelleschi and Ancient Cloisters. Afterward, prepare to be transported back in time as you visit the ancient Leather Workshop that dates back to the 13th century. This workshop, adjacent to the Basilica of Santa Croce, showcases the craftsmanship and techniques that have been preserved for centuries. Discover the secrets of authentic Florentine leatherwork and witness skilled craftsmen at work. It's a truly remarkable experience that combines history, tradition, and exceptional quality.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and those seeking an immersive cultural experience in Florence. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this tour offers a unique perspective on the city's rich heritage. The private nature of the visit ensures personalized attention from your knowledgeable guide, making it ideal for couples, families, or small groups.

Why book this?

Booking this tour will provide you with an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the artistic and historical wonders of Florence. By visiting Santa Croce Basilica, you'll have the chance to admire renowned masterpieces, including frescoes, sculptures, and funerary monuments. The Basilica's serene cloisters offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city, while the adjacent Ancient Leather Workshop provides a glimpse into the age-old craft of Florentine leatherwork. This tour grants exclusive access to areas of cultural and historical significance, ensuring an immersive and memorable experience. Explore the Gothic and Renaissance architectural gems of Santa Croce Basilica and witness the skills of remarkable craftsmen in the Leather Workshop. By booking this tour, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Florence's rich cultural heritage and the centuries-old traditions that continue to thrive.

Good to know

It is important to note that the tour duration is 90 minutes, allowing you to comfortably explore the highlights of Santa Croce Basilica and the Leather Workshop. The meeting point is at the entrance of Santa Croce Basilica, with morning and afternoon options available. Keep in mind that the Leather Workshop is not open on Saturdays and Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to discover a hidden gem in Florence. The Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School tour promises to be a fascinating journey into the city's remarkable past and its enduring traditions. Join us on this unique exploration and uncover the captivating beauty of Florence's cultural heritage. Reviews: Visitors who have experienced this guided tour have praised its insightful and engaging nature. They were particularly impressed by the knowledgeable guides who provided fascinating historical and artistic information. Travelers were enthralled by the stunning frescoes, sculptures, and funerary monuments in Santa Croce Basilica. The visit to the Leather Workshop was also highly regarded, with many expressing admiration for the exquisite craftsmanship and the preservation of traditional techniques. Overall, visitors were thoroughly satisfied with their experience, describing it as an enriching and unforgettable journey through Florence's cultural treasures.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

At least one adult or senior required per booking

Meeting point & End point

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

Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, IT

Your 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.

Admission Not Included

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.

Additional information

Reviews

(9)

5 (9)

DebDevineOne

Wow, I got so much out of this tour! Totally recommend if you are in any way interested in Florentine history, art, politics and culture. A point to note! The start is not out front of the Basilica as could be indicated on the ticket and website. The wording of the start site says at the entry. If you are not familiar with the location it is easy to think this is at the front facing the Piazza. The entry is at the side of the building. Thankyou for a wonderful experience! I learned much that has added to an already fabulous stay and laid foundation for the remainder of my time in Florence.

Amye_K

What a lovely morning tour with Marta! The basilica is full of art, architecture, tombs, and history. Marta was knowledgeable and able to answer our many questions while guiding us through the property. After several group tours, it was a treat to have a guide to ourselves. We are not educated in art history but have a keen interest in it, and Marta provided all of the information in a very approachable way for novices. We loved discussing the works and asking her more about the things we found intriguing. The tour of the basilica and convent was about two hours. We were taken to the leather school at the end, and we had a brief discussion of it. Be aware this is not a detailed tour of the leather school, with the tour’s focus being on the basilica. If you’re interested in going more in-depth at the leather school, you will find the staff there helpful and patient. We spent an additional hour with Francesca while learning about the school and making several purchase selections, many of which were customized before our eyes and gorgeously packaged. .

Jack_P

Andreus was very knowledgeable about the church , the monuments, and history. His English was extremely good and he was patient. Excellent tour!

Tudor_w

Andrea was an exceptional tour guide and really brought it all to life. Very knowledgeable and respectful of the exhibits. A very enjoyable tour.

ROBERTO_H

Awesome experience thank you for everything. Guide with Really good knowledge about the basilica. Really recommended.

James_H

<p>So much information! Seeing Santa Croce is a beautiful experience, but our guide was able to share history, personality, and glorious stories not only about the Basilica and its history, but also of the pantheon of Florentines interred therein. Highly Recommended.</p>

serafinam327

Esperienza fantastica, carica di suggestione, arricchita dalla presenza qualificata e competente della guida Elena appartenente alla STAR FLORENCE Grazie Elena per le emozioni che ci hai fatto vivere.

Susanna_M

Wir hatten eine sehr interessante Führung durch die Kirche. Andrea, unser Guide, hat ein sehr breites Wissen und hat uns damit auch verschiedene Geschichten der Stadt näher gebracht. Er machte uns auch auf viele Details aufmerksam, welche wir ohne ihn nie gesehen hätten. Der Besuch der Lederschule war ebenfalls interessant, auch wenn es Covid-bedingt gewisse Einschränkungen gab. Ich würde diese Führung und insbesondere auch Andrea als Guide wärmstens empfehlen, wenn Sie Florenz besuchen.

Meriem K

Un voyage dans le temps, une parenthèse historique en hommage aux grands Florentins. De magnifiques peintures de Giotto et des statues de Galilée, Dante et autres. Une église immense ,chaque coin est un ravissement. A voir absolument lors de votre séjour à Firenze.

Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator

2024-04-26 13:52

Private Guided Visit Florence's Santa Croce Basilica and Ancient Leather School