The Santa Margherita Basilica in the square of the same name in Cortona offers a magnificent view of the Valdichiana and Lake Trasimeno. The saint to whom this church is dedicated is buried inside the church. The panorama is worth the 30 minute uphill hike.
A brief history of the Basilica of Santa Margherita in Cortona
The architectural style of the Basilica of Santa Margherita is neo-Gothic and is the result of a reconstruction in the 19th century.
Santa Margherita herself had died in 1297 on the site where the church was built.
The 17th century urn in which the saint’s remains are kept and the Gothic tomb can be seen in the church, along with the 13th century wooden crucifix that is said to have addressed the saint.
One of the walls features frescoes depicting Pope Leo I (Leo the Great), who was pope from 440 till 461, and Mark the Evangelist..
One of the flags taken from the Turkish fleet of Ali Pasha during the battle of Lepanto used to be preserved inside the church. Pope Giovanni XXIII donated this flag to the Turkish State on the occasion of his visit to Athenagoras, Patriarch of Constantinople.
Address, opening hours and entrance fee
Address: Piazzale S. Margherita, 1 – 52044 Cortona. Telephone: +39 0575 603116 or 0575 605069. Opening hours: Not known. Entrance fee: Free.