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The Santa Croce neighborhood, located in the heart of Florence, is a place where history and art coexist with daily life. Known for its majestic Basilica of Santa Croce, this neighborhood has witnessed centuries of culture and heritage. The basilica, known as the "Pantheon of Italian Glories," houses the tombs of iconic figures such as Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, and Machiavelli. Santa Croce is characterized by its cobblestone streets, Renaissance buildings, and lively squares, with an atmosphere that blends tradition and modernity, featuring open-air markets, artisan workshops, and an impressive culinary scene. It is a place steeped in history, ideal for those seeking to experience the essence of Florence.
Living in Santa Croce
Living in Santa Croce means being surrounded by art, culture, and history at every corner. This neighborhood offers a serene yet connected lifestyle, where residents enjoy a balance between Florentine authenticity and modern comforts. Narrow streets are filled with small local shops, charming cafes, and art galleries. Residents often stroll through Piazza Santa Croce, an iconic location that serves as the neighborhood's central hub. The Santa Croce community is welcoming and diverse, making it an ideal place for families, students, and professionals alike.
Public transport in Business Bay
Santa Croce is well-connected through a public transportation network that facilitates travel within and beyond the neighborhood. While there are no metro stations in the area, Florence provides an efficient bus system managed by ATAF, with multiple lines such as C1, C3, and 23, linking Santa Croce to the city center and other neighborhoods. Additionally, the Santa Maria Novella train station, just a 15-minute walk away, expands travel options to other cities and regions.
Bus: almost more than 100 bus lines make up the streets of Florence. The city now also has a special night service called “Nottetempo”. The most interesting lines for getting around the city center are C1, C2, C3 and C4. All lines are also electrically operated. Of the normal lines, lines 12 and 13 are particularly useful, as they run up the southern hill of the Arno River to Piazza Michelangelo and the Church of San Miniato al Monte. Their night system operates until 2:00 AM. If it is going to be your regular transportation you can purchase one of the passes. One of them is for 10 trips of 90 minutes for 10€. In addition, it has three streetcar lines that will allow you to move around the city.
Services in Santa Croce
Santa Croce offers a wide variety of services to meet the daily needs of its residents. From daily essentials to specialized services, this neighborhood combines tradition and practicality, providing everything necessary for a comfortable and fulfilling life in the heart of Florence.
Here are some of the standout services that Santa Croce offers:
Everyday shopping
Santa Croce offers several supermarkets, such as Conad and Carrefour Express, perfect for daily shopping. For a more authentic experience, the historic Sant'Ambrogio Market provides fresh, local, and high-quality products, including seasonal fruits, vegetables, meats, and artisan cheeses. The market also features food stalls serving freshly prepared Tuscan dishes, making it an ideal spot to shop and savor local flavors.
Health and wellness
While there are no major hospitals in Santa Croce, the Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, located just a few minutes' walk away, serves as a historic and functional reference point. The neighborhood also features private clinics and health centers such as Maria Beatrice Hospital, providing specialized medical services. These options ensure accessible and quality healthcare for residents.
Schools and libraries
The neighborhood is home to several primary and secondary schools, both public and private, with the Scuola Primaria Giosuè Carducci standing out for its dedication to fostering academic and personal growth in students through a variety of educational and extracurricular activities. While Santa Croce does not have large libraries within its boundaries, the nearby Biblioteca delle Oblate provides a welcoming and well-equipped space, perfect for students, researchers, and book enthusiasts seeking a quiet place to read, study, or participate in cultural events.
Cultural centers
Santa Croce is a cultural hub with attractions like the Museum of the Basilica of Santa Croce and small galleries showcasing contemporary and traditional art. A cultural gem in the area is the Casa Buonarroti, a house-museum dedicated to Michelangelo's work and legacy, featuring some of his earliest creations and historical documents. Additionally, the neighborhood hosts events and exhibitions that enrich the cultural life of its residents, making it a place where history and art intersect with everyday life.
Public services
Santa Croce features administrative offices for daily errands, consulates serving international communities, and civic centers organizing activities for residents. While there are no ministries within the neighborhood, its proximity to the historic center provides convenient access to Florence's main governmental institutions.
Having fun in Santa Croce
What to do in Santa Croce?
Leisure in Santa Croce ranges from gastronomy to cultural activities and moments of outdoor relaxation, making it a meeting point for locals and visitors alike. The neighborhood’s restaurants and trattorias stand out for their traditional cuisine, while its bars and cafes offer cozy spaces for a break. On the cultural side, in addition to museums and galleries, it’s common to find art and music workshops inviting active participation. For those seeking tranquility, nearby squares and green areas are perfect for unwinding. This neighborhood seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, offering a wide variety of options for all tastes and ages.
Eating out
Santa Croce is a haven for food lovers, offering a rich variety of culinary experiences. Restaurants like Trattoria Verdi and Osteria dei Pazzi showcase authentic Tuscan cuisine, while the lively Sant'Ambrogio Market features casual dining with fresh, local products. For a relaxing break, cozy cafes like Coffee Mantra are ideal for enjoying a perfect espresso, a refreshing aperitif, or a light snack, blending the neighborhood's charm with its gastronomic appeal.
Parks and green areas
Although Santa Croce lacks large parks, the nearby Giardino della Gherardesca provides a perfect green space for relaxation, offering a serene escape from the bustling city streets. Within the neighborhood itself, small hidden gems like the Giardino di Borgo Allegri provide intimate spots for a quiet moment outdoors.
Cultural activities
The neighborhood boasts a diverse cultural agenda, including classical and contemporary music concerts in the majestic Basilica of Santa Croce, a unique venue in the city. Small local stages host intimate theater performances, offering a closer connection to the artistic talent of the community. Just steps away from Santa Croce, the renowned Teatro Verdi stands as a cultural epicenter, where art enthusiasts can enjoy impressive opera, theater, and music performances.
Going out
Santa Croce is not known for a bustling nightlife, but it does feature cozy bars and pubs like The William Pub and Virgin Rock Pub, offering a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying cocktails or live music. For a livelier experience, residents often head to the nearby Santo Spirito neighborhood, renowned for its vibrant nightlife.
Santa Croce is a neighborhood that blends history, culture, and convenience in the heart of Florence. Its rich history is reflected in every corner, from iconic monuments to streets steeped in tradition, while its modern services ensure a practical and enjoyable lifestyle. With its unique atmosphere and a wide range of leisure options, this neighborhood stands out as an unforgettable place for both residents and visitors to explore and experience the essence of Florence.
