The Gothic Church of Santa Croce known as the Basilica is the principle Franciscan church in Florence and a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church. One of its many notable features are its sixteen chapels. The construction of the current church, to replace an older building, was begun on 12 May 1294, possibly by Arnolfo di Cambio, and paid for by some of the city's wealthiest families. It was consecrated in 1442 by Pope Eugene IV. The building's design reflects the austere approach of the Franciscans. It contains the tombs of some remarkable people including Michelangelo and Galileo, Machiavelli and the poet Foscolo, the philosopher Gentile and the composer Rossini, it is known as the ‘Temple of the Italian Glories’. 

 You must visit the Arnolfo and Brunelleshi Cloisters ajoining the church, the renaissance architecture is amasing.