Hermitage Le Celle: A Sanctuary of Spirituality near Cortona

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.