Chiesa di Santa Margherita d'Antiochia

Vernazza


The waterfront is framed by this small Ligurian-Gothic church, built on a small seafront promontory in 1318 on the site of an 11th-century Romanesque building. According to legend, the church was constructed here after a box containing the bones of St Margaret washed up on a nearby beach. It is notable for its unusual 40m-tall octagonal tower topped with a dome.

Inside, the church contains several 17th-century paintings, and a wooden crucifix attributed to Anton Maria Maragliano. The views through the narrow arched windows are outstanding.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Vernazza attractions

1. Vernazza Harbour

0.03 MILES

Cinque Terre’s only natural harbour has breathtaking views out over the water, and provides the best open-air amusement in Vernazza. Here you can bask on…

2. Castello Doria

0.07 MILES

This castle, the oldest surviving fortification in the Cinque Terre, commands superb views. Dating to around 1000, it's now largely a ruin except for the…

3. Guvano Beach

1.25 MILES

This lovely, hard-to-reach beach was once a famous nudist spot from the 1960s to the 1990s, when it was accessed by walking through an abandoned railway…

4. Chiesa San Giovanni Battista

1.59 MILES

One of the oldest churches in Cinque Terre, San Giovanni Battista has a striped facade dating back to 1307. The Ligurian-Gothic design features white and…

5. Oratorio della Santa Croce

1.6 MILES

This was the seat for one of two confraternities (secular associations dedicated to doing charitable works) in Monterosso which was active from the 15th…

6. Convento dei Cappuccini

1.6 MILES

Monterosso's most interesting church and convent complex is set on the hill that divides the old town from the newer Fegina quarter. The striped church,…

7. Belvedere di Santa Maria

1.63 MILES

Enjoy dazzling 180-degree sea views at this heart-stopping lookout in hilltop Corniglia. To find it, follow Via Fieschi through the village until you…

8. La Torre

1.66 MILES

This viewpoint overlooking a photogenic stretch of coastline (direction: Manarola) is reached by a stairway that leads up from the diminutive main square,…