Tourist Dies in Santa Croce

A section of an ancient stone capital in Florence’s basilica of Santa Croce detached and fell nearly 100 ft. (30 meters), killing on impact a 52-year-old Spanish tourist at 2:30 pm on October 19.  A business manager, the victim was a native of Barcelona.

The fragment was 15 inches (40 cm) in diameter.  The accident happened in the presence of the tourist’s wife, who is in a state of deep shock.

Both as a sign of mourning, and to aid police investigation, Santa Croce will be closed all day on October 20.

The Franciscan church contains important frescoes by Giotto, the Pazzi Chapel, a Renaissance landmark designed by Brunelleschi and decorated by Luca Della Robbia, as well as the monumental tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo.

According to authorities, only a week ago, the stonework was cleaned and its condition checked by experts who found no need for concern.  To see a photo gallery and a video, visit Florence’s La Repubblica news site.