basilica di santa margherita

Beautiful cathedral and a great way to immerse yourself in the history of Catholicism in Italy. It was fun to be among locals attending mass in Italian.

Santa Margherita is a beautiful church, situated in a breathtaking setting, up high in the Cortona hills.

loved the view - hard walking - got to the top and found a parking lot so we could have driven! cant wait for the fortress to open

The Basillica di Santa Margherita is a very special place. It sits on a plateau above the town of Cortona (it is quite a sleep walk up from the main square -Piazza Repubblica, but making this brisk 10-15 walk up towards Mt Sant 'Egidio is a great way to see that there is more to Cortona than just Via Nazionale). The site has a rich religious history going back to the Etruscans but what one now sees is largely the result of very significant restorations in the 19th Century. The tranquility that is so apparent inside the Basilica, is I think because of the physical presence of the entire preserved body of Margherita da Laviano who came to Cortona in 1271. She dedicated her life to God and to helping the sick and the needy, she was beatified in 1515 and canonised in 1728.This church is a must visit for anyone coming to Cortona.

Basilica was very impressive but difficult to walk to, drive their is easier. Margherita was considered the patron saint for the area and is a very special place.

You are very likely to find your visit to Basilica di Santa Margherita inspirational and worthwhile.Saint Margherita (her body) is actually their . . . how often will you have the opportunity to view what was once the person?As I mentioned . . . inspirational. Aside from the Basilica, you will find inspiration in the amazing view of the Tuscan valley.

Outside it is not so special in appearance, but inside the ceiling is starry blue and the decoration is really lovely. The windows are especially pretty, no stained glass, but the effect from the interior is that the windows are in the snow.. Very pretty. Well worth the walk up from Cortona, which is through the residential part and past the San Nicolo church...that is a favourite of mine....tiny medieval redecorated in 1500's. Worth popping in.

We really enjoyed this cathedral, the stained glass, sculptures and paintings are beautiful! The views from the surrounding area are breathtaking!

Worth a visit if you love the old cathedrals. The view from the parking lot is worth the ride or walk up as well.

It is must see, a little hard to get there if legs are weak, but we found you get get a car to takr you. Well worth the walk. Can not find a better view!!!!

I didnt had the honor to know about santa margherita of cortona! she was a truly saint woman, actually her uncorrupted body is displayed in the altar and besides the church is beautifull. it also has great views.

Take the walk to the Basilica from Piazza della Republica along Via Nazionale (east) and then up Via Santa Margherita. It is an inspiring walk through history. Take your walking shoes. On the way back, take every little mysterious stairway down the hill that you can find.

We gift all our exercise in one day by opting to walk up from Cortona centre and back.Made us realise what a life the men (and horses) had carting all the materials they needed to build this church on the hill!We opted to continue our walk on up the hill to the top and busted the old fortress - well worth it if you have made it to the Basilica!

Lovely church at the top of the hill overlooking Cortona. Interesting relics and interior as well as good views.Well worth the climb up the hill.

Although it is quite possible to go to Cortona and not see the basilica, it is worth climbing the hill up to see St. Margherita's. The church interior is beautiful and the acoustics are exquisite. We arrived during a mass so weren't able to see St. Margherita's preserved body. While you may not want to spend a lot of time in the basilica, it is worth spending a little time enjoying the climb and return to town.TIP: Next time, I plan to walk up to Santa Margherita in the morning, before it gets too hot. In the heat of a summer afternoon, carry some water - you'll be glad you did.