I wanted to check out the Basilica but we got there while it was midday closed so we decided to…read morewalk around the piazza while we waited for the re-opening at 3pm. We happened to not only be there on a Sunday, but the second Sunday of the month, which is when they do hardware, leather, fabrics, etc. I wasn't necessarily interested in any of that (my preference would have been food on the third Sunday) but it was fun seeing people, especially locals, shop for stuff. It's a feast for the eyes, that's for sure. That being said, there aren't many newer Yelp reviews for this place but if you are researching this area, know that it is no longer a quiet, more local part of town. This is a full blown tourist destination now and the area shows it. I'd highly recommend the basilica. The cloisters are gorgeous, with a beautiful garden in the middle. You cannot take pictures inside for some reason, but it's still worth it.

Came to this jewelry store, Giuliano Ricchi, where I had a customized bracelet with beautiful…read morecharms to remind me of our visit to Florence - Ponte Vecchio bridge, palaces, fleur de lis, and heart locket. Outside, there was live entertainment at the square.

Correction to my previous review: The officers in the front are very helpful only if you're a young…read morefemale. Also, avoid the bathrooms at all costs. I honestly don't think they sanitize them. Angry and frustrated immigrants like to take their revenge on this office by defecating on the floors, not the toilets. This is not a joke. Keep out!

Absolutely gorgeous place to visit. Please go inside if you have the chance but if you don't, the…read moreexterior is absolutely gorgeous. The areas has a lot of hotels (pretty obviously, since the train station is right across the street, on the back side of the church) and quite a few places to eat and drink. Two wine windows are in the area and my best friends favorite gelato shop, you can see from the square.

This review is merely for the exterior and a bit of the surrounding area. I read that they offer…read moretours inside, but we did not have time for one. This church was near our hotel and I wanted to at least see it as I'd taken an architecture course once in college that covered it. The back of the church is close to the front of the main Florence train station, separated by a wide street with multiple light rail tracks. You need to walk around to the far side (from the station) to see the façade, which is the famous view. There are businesses flanking one side of the church (hotels, restaurants, and other shops). There was some booth set up where people attempted to flag down passing pedestrians (I'm not sure if it was some political thing or they were eventually asking for donations, etc.; we escaped without hearing their pitch). Also around the front of the church there were African guys selling trinkets or attempting to engage tourists to sell something. These guys were fairly common throughout downtown Florence, actually. In front of the church is a large plaza which provides good longer-range unobstructed views for photos. The front of the church is sort of a 'late Gothic transitioning into the Renaissance' style. It is quite striking and worth a short detour on your way to the city center. The best lighting for photos seemed to be in the mid to late afternoon.

Piazza Santa Croce is spacious, beautiful, and full of character. The basilica is breathtaking, and…read morethe piazza feels lively without being overwhelming. Perfect for people-watching, a coffee stop, or soaking in Florence's atmosphere--especially lovely in the evening.

Named after the fameous churce at the end of the piazza, the Basilica of Santa Croce, this is a fun…read moreopen air area in Florence. The piazza is all paved, however, there is usually a famers market (mostly prepared goods vs produce), and the people watching can be pretty spectacular. It was a easy 15 second walk from my apartment, and the adjacent Taxi stand made getting to the airport a breeze. There are no services or greenery, but the steps of the church can be used as a nice place to sit. It is dotted by a large number of restaurants, leather shops, and gelato places. Its a cool place to simply stop and take a breather and the church is worth a visit as it houses the remains of many famous Italian's and the interior is quite nice as well

The Basilica di San Lorenzo is one of the biggest and oldest churches in Florence. The current…read morebuilding has been around a mere 600 years, but the church was consecrated in 393 AD. It was the parish church of the Medici family, who agreed to finance the new building in 1419. Many of the Medici are buried in the basilica. The outer facade was designed by Michelangelo, but for whatever reason, no one ever got around to constructing it. There's an ongoing debate about whether to complete the facade according to Michelangelo's designs, but for now the unfinished look is pretty interesting and distinctive. When we went, there was a temporary installation of contemporary sculptures by Florentine artist Andrea Roggi. Very cool. We visited on a quiet Thursday afternoon and took a quick, self-guided tour. Tickets were €9 apiece and we only spent 10 to 15 minutes in the church, but it was definitely worth checking out. The basilica was, of course, beautiful and opulent, extravagant in its details and full of vibrant artwork. Tons of gray and white marble and an elaborately painted dome. If you're pressed for time in Florence, Basilica di San Lorenzo isn't as mandatory as some of the other attractions. if you have a free half hour, though, you might as well spend it here. It's a great church, where you can get another strong dose of art and history.

I know!! There are sooo many churches in Italy and in Florence and it's incredibly boring if…read moreyou're a kid or unmoved by art and history. But, if you have the good luck to love art and the smarts to love history, then this is definitely one of the three churches you should see in Florence. Although, I don't like to should on people. The was the Medici family church which is nothing to look at from the outside, but the story of the Medicis and how Michaelanglo, one of the teenage mutant ninja turtle and apparently an artist as well, abandoned the project. Cosimo di Medici asked to be buried at the feet of another ninja turtle and artist Donatello. It's shows how much Cosimo adored the artist. He didn't ask to be buried with his wife or mother or children, but with one of the greatest artists of all time.