Basilica di Santa Margherita
At the top of a steep climb from Cortona's center, the neo-Gothic facade of Santa Margherita rises against the Tuscan hillside, its 14th-century rose window — salvaged from the original church — set into stonework that was largely rebuilt in the 1870s. Inside, behind the main altar, rests the incorrupt body of Margaret of Cortona in a silver casket designed by Pietro da Cortona, the same Cortonese artist whose work fills museums across Italy.
Margaret herself died here in 1297, in a small room behind the old oratory where she had spent her final years caring for the sick, the homeless, and prisoners. The church grew around her memory, and the place still carries that weight.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who make the climb more than once tend to linger at the 13th-century wooden crucifix on the altar — brought here from San Francesco — and at the marble mausoleum in the left transept, which rewards a slow look. Leave the camera in your bag; photography is strictly prohibited inside, and the rule is enforced.
The story behind Basilica di Santa Margherita
The site began as a small Camaldolese oratory dedicated to San Basilio, built in the 11th century. It was damaged during Arezzo's siege of Cortona in 1258, then rebuilt in 1288 by Margherita di Cortona — a Franciscan tertiary who had established a hospital for Cortona's poor and sick. After her death in 1297, a new church was designed by Giovanni Pisano and completed in 1304.
What stands today is largely the result of two major reconstructions: one in 1738 and another between 1874 and 1878, which produced the current Gothic Revival structure by Enrico Presenti and Mariano Falcini, with a facade by Domenico Mirri completed by Giuseppe Castellucci. Only the choir and two vaults of the central nave survive from the medieval original. Margaret was canonized in 1728; the church was elevated to a minor basilica in 1927.
Good to know
The walk up from Cortona's center takes about 20 minutes on steep paths — worth knowing if mobility is a concern. Free parking and restrooms are available on-site. Hours shift seasonally: 8am–7pm April through October, 9am–6pm November through March, with a midday closure each day. Entrance is free.
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What travellers say about Basilica di Santa Margherita
This is a beautiful church at the top of the hill. There is a decent parking area at the front but I would recommend the scenic if somewhat steep walk up the hill through town. There are inexpensive votive candles available to light as prayer offerings. Not a huge church so don't expect to need to stay for a long time but well worth a visit. Souvenirs and curios are sold in a small booth near the back. Check out the old Medici fortress just up the hill if you have time. No cost to enter.
Very solemn church. Very nice architecture and the overlooking view outside of the lake was amazing and the blooming flowers add to it ❤️
A beautiful place - really peaceful and so well built. Stunning decoration. An absolute must if you are staying in the area - we walked up from Cortona and it was well worth the steep steps.
There's a number of churches ⛪️ to explore in Cortona however this cathedral is the top of the list. The interior's just amazing. While I was there a organist was playing which added to the ambience.
The Basilica di Santa Margherita crowns Cortona’s highest hill, its dome visible for miles. Inside rests St. Margaret of Cortona, the town’s beloved patron saint, surrounded by frescoes and peace — and outside, some of the best panoramic views in Tuscany.
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