Everybody in Florence knows where Galileo Galilei lies buried. His mortal remains are in a crypt inside the famous Basilica di Santa Croce, the principal Franciscan church of the city. The 16th century scientist shares this space with several of his illustrious fellow Italians, such as Michelangelo, Machiavelli, the poet Foscolo, the philosopher Gentile and the composer Rossini.

When Galileo died in 1642, the Grand Duke of Tuscany wanted to bury him in this very place next to the tombs of his father and other ancestors. But because Galileo was declared a heretic, an enemy of the church, the plans were dropped and he was instead buried in a small room next to the novices' chapel.

Galileo's missing finger, found at last. Photo credit: artscatter.com