Convent de Le Celle, Cortona

The stone buildings of Convent de Le Celle stand on terraces along a mountainside, surrounded by holly oak and cypress groves near Cortona.

Saint Francis of Assisi established the hermitage in 1211, and Brother Elias expanded it in 1235 by adding a sanctuary, refectory, and five monk cells.

The church contains a wooden altar from 1695 by Remigio da Firenze, displaying the Madonna with Child, and houses a painting by Simone Pignoni.

The convent remains open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, offering visitors access to Saint Francis's cell and the original oratory.

The complex follows the natural valley contours with interconnected structures built into the mountain, linked by stone bridges over a spring stream.

Location: Cortona

Inception: 1211

GPS coordinates: 43.29422,12.00086

Latest update: March 7, 2025 01:12