Background

Hermitage Le Celle: A Sanctuary of Spirituality near Cortona

Discover the serene Hermitage Le Celle near Cortona, a spiritual retreat founded by St. Francis of Assisi in the heart of Tuscany.

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Nestled in a tranquil woodland a few kilometers from Cortona, the Hermitage Le Celle is a Franciscan sanctuary founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1211. This serene location offers a peaceful escape with its ancient stone buildings, picturesque stream, and a palpable sense of spirituality.

A brief summary to Hermitage Le Celle

  • Monday 8 am-7:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-7:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-7:30 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-7:30 pm
  • Friday 8 am-7:30 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-7:30 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-7:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the hermitage's peaceful atmosphere.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the paths around the hermitage can be uneven.
  • Take a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the hermitage.
  • Respect the silence and the spiritual atmosphere of the site.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Cortona's Piazza Garibaldi, follow Via della Mura del Duomo to the north, which offers a scenic view. Continue along the road leading towards Le Celle. The walk is approximately 3km and takes around 45 minutes to an hour, offering a peaceful approach through the woods. Note that the route involves some uphill walking.

  • Public Transport

    From the center of Cortona, take the bus towards Torreone. The bus ride is short, and from Torreone, it's a brief walk to the Hermitage. Buses depart from Porta Colonia and arrive in Torreone twice daily. A bus ticket costs approximately €1-€3.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Cortona. A taxi ride from Cortona to Hermitage Le Celle takes about 10-15 minutes. The estimated cost is between €20-€25.

Unlock the Best of Hermitage Le Celle

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Discover more about Hermitage Le Celle

The Hermitage Le Celle, located just a few kilometers from Cortona, is one of the first settlements desired by St. Francis of Assisi. Founded in 1211, the hermitage provided St. Francis with a place for prayer and meditation, offered by Cortonese nobleman Guido Vagnottelli. The site, already dotted with small caves used by shepherds, perfectly suited St. Francis's desire for silence and connection with nature. St. Francis frequented the hermitage, including a visit in 1215 and his last in 1226, shortly before his death. Tradition holds that he composed his spiritual testament here. In 1235, Brother Elias of Cortona, a key figure in the Franciscan order, expanded the site, adding an oratory and cells while preserving St. Francis's original cell. After a period of abandonment, the Capuchins, a Franciscan order, revived the hermitage in 1537, constructing a new church and the novitiate corridor. Today, the Hermitage Le Celle remains a place of peace and reflection. Visitors can explore the holm oak wood, St. Francis's cell, the Oratory of San Franceschino, the Santissima Trinity Chapel, and the Church of St. Anthony of Padua. The hermitage is characterized by its simple stone buildings that blend into the mountainside, connected by bridges like the Ponte Barberini and Ponte del Granduca. The atmosphere encourages meditation and a connection with nature, offering a unique glimpse into Franciscan spirituality.

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