Eremo Francescano Le Celle

Cortona


This Franciscan hermitage hides in dense woodland 3km north of Cortona. Its buildings sit next to a picturesque stream with an 18th-century stone bridge, and the only sounds to disturb the tranquil atmosphere are the bells that call the resident friars to vespers and Mass in the cave-like Chiesa Cella di San Francesco.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cortona attractions

1. Fortezza del Girifalco

1.24 MILES

Lap up the stupendous view over the Val di Chiana to Lago Trasimeno in Umbria from the remains of this Medici fortress, atop the highest point in town –…

2. Basilica di Santa Margherita

1.29 MILES

For an effective cardiovascular workout, hike up to this largely 19th-century church through Cortona's warren of steep cobbled lanes. Inside, the remains…

3. Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta

1.5 MILES

The views of the Val di Chiana from the terrace in front of Cortona's 15th-century duomo (cathedral) are spectacular, but the church itself is…

4. Chiesa di San Francesco

1.5 MILES

Built in the 13th century, this was the second church dedicated to St Francis after the basilica in Assisi and is a popular stop for pilgrims following…

5. Chiesa di San Domenico

1.52 MILES

At the eastern end of Via Nazionale is this 15th-century church, home to a 1515 painting of the Madonna and Saints by local luminary Luca Signorelli.

6. Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra

1.53 MILES

Highlights of this small museum in the decommissioned 16th-century Chiesa del Gesù include a number of works by Pietro Lorenzetti, a Madonna and Child (c…

8. Pinacoteca Comunale

5.17 MILES

The lower part of Castiglion Fiorentino's fortress is home to a small collection of art including a Madonna and Child from the school of Taddeo Gaddi and…