Called the ‘Temple of the Italian Glories’ for its tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini (most of whom are featured in this slide show), Santa Croce was reputedly founded by St. Francis of Assisi and built from 1294-1442 CE in the shape of an Egyptian tau cross. Originally built on marsh land outside the city walls, it was severely damaged by floods in 1966, requiring extensive restoration. Accompanied by the ethereal ‘Ave Maria’ by Florentine composer Giulio Caccini, quotes from the Bible and John McCreery become philosophical bookends for the theme of spirituality.