President Mattarella visits Santa Croce to view Giotto frescoes

Italian President Sergio Mattarella visited the Basilica of Santa Croce on October 26, 2026. He was received by the rector of the basilica, Father Franco Buonamano, and Irene Sanesi, president of the Opera di Santa Croce.

The president viewed the recently restored Giotto frescoes in the Bardi Chapel depicting the stories of Saint Francis. He also visited the monuments of Dante, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Foscolo.

Father Buonamano noted the importance of the visit during the year marking the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.