The Franciscan basilica of Sta. Croce was established in 1293,
in honor of the Holy Cross , (Santa Croce), and St. Francis of Assisi.
Italy's greatest artists and thinkers have left their mark on the church since that time.

The church's design was by Arnolfo di Camio, and is built in a Florentine vesion of the Gothic style,
which was prominent in France at the time.

The facade seen here, did not receive its marbles for almost six centuries since the church's beginnings.
Facing the piazza, which is almost the size of a city block, the facade has three gables,
faced with white Carrara marble with green inlays.
The facade was buit by Niccolo Matas between 1853 - 1863.

The interior built with a simple nave and adjoining side aisles can be seen in the next image.