The much-awaited guided tours of the restoration site of the frescoes in Santa Croce, the great Florentine basilica of the Holy Cross, have finally begun.

The eight frescoes on the side walls of the Cappella Maggiore, painted in 1380 by Agnolo Gaddi and depicting the Legend of the True Cross, are now being restored.

This is a unique opportunity to come face-to-face with the works of this great artist influenced by Giotto.

The tour of the restoration site includes gradual ascension up 7 levels, for a total of 90 steps. There are three stops for explanations of the works. For safety reasons, access is only allowed to children over 12.

The tours, which last approximately 40 minutes, start on 16th May. The guided groups will include a maximum of 15 visitors. Booking required.

Timetable of guided tours: from Monday to Saturday at 10 am – 11 am – 12 noon – 2 pm – 3 pm – 4 pm; on Sunday only in the afternoon.

The ticket costs € 10.00 and also allows entrance to the Basilica, the cloisters and the museum.

Reservations can be made by phone from 11 am to 3 pm (tel. +39 055 2466105 – dial 3) or else by e-mail booking@santacroceopera.it , specifying the date and time of the visit,the language you speak - although visits in English are held only on specific days- the number of people, a cell-phone number to contact, the names and dates of birth of the participants.