Florence: Santa Croce

Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence is the largest Franciscan Church in the world. 

Galileo and Michelangelo, among other famous Florentines, are buried here, 

and Dante, though buried elsewhere, is immortalized here. Florence came to accept and honor its outliers.

 Dante

 a book in Dante's hand

 a huge restoration project

 Galileo

 Michelangelo

 Dante

Florence from Above

 Your correspondent climbed both the Campanile, the bell tower, and the Duomo itself on successive days and happily felt none the worse for wear. She enjoyed the views and the help with orientation that only a bird's eye view can supply.

The first great church in the near distance is Basilica di Santa Croce, where Galileo, Dante, Machiavelli and Michelangelo and many other historical figures rest or, for some, are at least forgiven and remembered, with monumental sculpture.

The second monumental building is City Hall. Between it and the River Arno is the Uffizi Gallery.

In the distance is another large church, San Miniato al Monte.