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Church · Vernazza, Ligúria
Chiesa di Santa Margherita d'Antiochia
Parish church of Vernazza on the harbor's edge, of medieval origin, with a 40-meter octagonal tower and an entrance through the apse area.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Chiesa di Santa Margherita d'Antiochia
The church of Santa Margarida de Antioquia, patron saint of Vernazza, sits at the harbor's edge, almost over the sea. It was rebuilt by the Magistri Antelami, master builders from the Como area, over an earlier Romanesque church; the first mention of the building dates from 1318.
Between the 16th and 18th centuries the church was enlarged and received Baroque decoration. A restoration between 1964 and 1970 brought back the medieval stone interior, with three naves.
The octagonal tower, at 40 meters, rests on the presbytery pillars and is one of Vernazza's most recognizable images. The current entrance, facing the piazza, was opened in the 19th century in the apse area; therefore visitors enter through what would historically be the back of the church.
Inside are two 17th-century paintings and a wooden crucifix attributed to the Genoese sculptor Anton Maria Maragliano or his workshop. It is a functioning church: shoulders and knees should be covered.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 15 minutes.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon. Avoid mass times if you want to walk around the interior.
How to get there
It is on the Piazza Marconi, at the edge of Vernazza's harbor, a few minutes' walk from the station.
Tip
After the visit, view the octagonal tower from the castle on the other side of the harbor: it is from there that you understand how the church projects over the rocks.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Chiesa di Santa Margherita d'Antiochia
Is there an admission fee?
No. It is the parish church and admission is free.
Why do you enter through the back of the church?
The current entrance was opened in the 19th century in the apse area, facing the piazza do porto.
Do you need appropriate clothing?
Yes. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter.
What's special inside?
The three stone naves, restored in a renovation, two 17th-century paintings and a wooden crucifix from the school of Maragliano.