The Church of Santa Croce is a unique monument of great historical value, not only because of the pure expression of the Gothic style, but also because of the richness of the works of art it contains. Creation of the Basilica of Santa Croce (St Cross), one of the largest churches in the city, is attributed to the genius Arnolfo di Cambio, who began work on it in 1294. Work continued until the second half of the 14th century, but it was consecrated only in 1443. was not consecrated until 1443. The façade with its three portals, designed by N. Matas, dates back to the 19th century. The bell tower, dating from the same period (1847), was built by N. Matas. The bell tower, dating from the same period (1847), was designed by the architect G. Baccani. Along the left side of the along the left side of the basilica is a portico of light, almost airy arches.
The majestic interior consists of three naves. The central nave is separated from side pylons of octagonal cross-section, from which rush upwards, like jets of fountains. upwards, like jets of a fountain, pointed arches with double framing. The beauty The beauty of the church suffered somewhat from the redevelopment undertaken in the XVI century. The church has a ceiling of the rafter type; in the floor there are ancient tombstones all over the nave space.
There are several chapels in the transepts, among which is the Chapel Maggiore with the fresco by Agnolo Gaddi, "The Legend of the Holy Cross". (1380 г.). In the altar is a polyptych Gerini depicting the Madonna with the Saints, and above is a Crucifixion of the school of Giotto. The stained glass windows date from the fourteenth century.
The most famous tombstones are located along the walls of the right aisle: Michelangelo's monument by Vasari (1579), the monument to Dante Alighieri sculptor Ricci (1829), the monument to Macchiavelli by Spinazzi (1787) and the monument to Galileo Galilei.
On the right side of the transept is the Castellani Chapel with beautifully frescoes by Agnolo Gaddi (1385) on scenes from the Lives of the Saints. In the altar. - Crucifixion of Gerini.
At the back of the transept is the Baroncelli Chapel with a beautifully executed Gothic family tomb. Gothic style family tomb and with a niche decorated with a fresco by Taddeo Gaddi - the Madonna. On the walls are frescoes by the same artist on subjects from the Life of the Virgin Mary. The altarpiece polyptych Coronation of the Virgin Mary is by Giotto.
A portal by Michelozzo leads to the Sacristy, where in the Capella Rinuccini one can admire the frescoes with the Life of Magdalene and the Virgin Mary by the artist Giovanni di Milano. The altarpiece by Giovanni del Biondo (1379) is beautiful. Apart from the above mentioned chapels, the church of Santa Croce has some other chapels that contain priceless works of art: the Chapel of Santa Croce. priceless works of art: the Medici Chapel, the Velutti Chapel, the Peruzzi Chapel. Peruzzi Chapel, the Bardi Chapel, the Tosigni Chapel, and the Pulci Chapel.
At the back of the Monastery Courtyard of the Basilica of Santa Croce opens the Capella dei Pazzi, a beautiful creation by Brunelleschi, who began work in 1443. The decoration of the Chapel was done by masters such as Desiderio da Settignano, Luca della Robbia, Giuliano da Maiano. The chapel is preceded by a Pronaos of Corinthian columns. columns. The small dome with a conical roof and round lantern was completed in 1461. in 1461. The interior is the epitome of Renaissance beauty and harmony: grey stone pilasters emphasise the whiteness of the walls.
