
Eremo Le Celle Cortona
A serene Franciscan hermitage near Cortona, Italy, where St. Francis of Assisi lived, offering profound peace and historical depth.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace

Eremo Le Celle Cortona
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Franciscan hermitage near Cortona, Italy, where St. Francis of Assisi lived, offering profound peace and historical depth.
"One of the most peaceful places I have visited, a world apart."

🚗 Car or Taxi Recommended
The walk from Cortona is long; a car or taxi is best for reaching this secluded spot.
🤫 Respect the Silence
This is a working monastery. Embrace the quiet and avoid loud noises to preserve the atmosphere.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 2,686 reviews
Type
Place of Worship
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

St. Francis' Cell
The Hermitage
See the humble cell where St. Francis of Assisi lived and prayed, a testament to his simple life.

The Franciscan Convent
Le Celle, Cortona
Explore the ancient Franciscan convent, a place of deep spiritual significance and tranquility.

Natural Surroundings
Forest and Stream
Immerse yourself in the serene natural beauty surrounding the hermitage, a true escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Plan Your Journey
Embrace the Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Car or Taxi Recommended
The walk from Cortona is long; a car or taxi is best for reaching this secluded spot.
🤫 Respect the Silence
This is a working monastery. Embrace the quiet and avoid loud noises to preserve the atmosphere.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited facilities on-site, so come prepared for your peaceful retreat.
🚶♀️ Comfortable Shoes
You'll likely do some walking around the grounds and potentially on uneven paths.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Car or Taxi Recommended
The walk from Cortona is long; a car or taxi is best for reaching this secluded spot.
🤫 Respect the Silence
This is a working monastery. Embrace the quiet and avoid loud noises to preserve the atmosphere.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited facilities on-site, so come prepared for your peaceful retreat.
🚶♀️ Comfortable Shoes
You'll likely do some walking around the grounds and potentially on uneven paths.
🙏 Open Mind
Even non-Catholics find the peace and history deeply impressive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Eremo Le Celle for its profound peace and spiritual atmosphere, highlighting its historical significance as a Franciscan hermitage. While some note its secluded nature and limited access, most find the tranquility and beauty deeply impressive, even for non-Catholics. It's a place that offers a true escape and a connection to a simpler, more contemplative way of life.
"We took a 55 minute scenic walk from the town of Cortona. The walk there was beautiful. There are hills and the trail is both roadway and gravel. Once you get there it is so serene! The area with the waterfall is magnificent! They have little bracelets and things for sale via the honor system. There are trails to walk around the monastery as well."
Crystal Herzog
"Unlike some historical sites that are merely museums, the Hermitage of "Le Celle" is still inhabited by a community of friars. This continuity ensures that the site's spiritual purpose remains central, and it serves as a tangible link to the life and legacy of St. Francis of Assisi. The hermitage origins date back to 1211 when St. Francis received the land from a local nobleman, and who became his first follower. St. Francis cell (known for the small caves and shelters, not imprisonment), know for their small and extremely rustic attributes. These embody the ideals of St. Francis, extreme poverty, simplicity/humility, and connection to nature.
St. Francis returned here frequently being drawn to the peacefulness and and rugged terrain. His last visit was 1226, the year of his death, and it's believed where he dictated his last will and testament.
I find the sign that reads:
"Fermati
Fel silenzio
davanti a io
riscopri chi sei"
Translation into English:
"Stop
in silence
before God
rediscover who you are" to be very profound."
Erik Oppenneer
"Very spiritual place. Long walk to chapel but absolutely beautiful place and very peaceful! Able to purchase in small shop at the end some prayer cards. No tickets required. If you drive down there is small parking lot but still have to walk down to chapel. Road to parking lot is narrow and not so good condition but it’s fine."
Andrea Wilson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Eremo Le Celle is located a few kilometers outside Cortona. While it's possible to walk, it's a significant distance and not recommended by many visitors. The most convenient way to reach the hermitage is by car or taxi. If you're driving, follow signs for Le Celle. Taxis can be arranged from Cortona, but it's wise to book in advance.
Public transport options directly to Eremo Le Celle are very limited. It's primarily a destination for those with private transportation or who arrange specific transfers. Consider it a journey best made with your own wheels or a pre-booked service.
Yes, you can technically walk from Cortona to Eremo Le Celle, but it's a considerable distance (several kilometers) and can be strenuous, especially in warmer weather. Most visitors find it too far for a casual stroll.
For a truly peaceful arrival, consider a scenic drive or a taxi ride that allows you to soak in the Tuscan landscape. Some visitors have also arrived via vintage car tours, adding a unique charm to the journey.
Yes, there are typically parking facilities available for visitors arriving by car. This makes it easier for those who choose to drive to the hermitage.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Eremo Le Celle is a working monastery and generally does not require an entrance fee. Donations are appreciated to help maintain the site.
As a religious site, Eremo Le Celle has hours that are generally aligned with daytime visiting periods. It's best to check for any specific seasonal hours or closures, though it's typically open during daylight hours for visitors seeking peace.
There is no formal admission fee. Visitors are encouraged to make a donation if they wish, as it's a place of worship and preservation.
While generally accessible during the day, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours. As it's a place of prayer and contemplation, respecting the quiet hours is important.
While not a standard tourist offering, some private tour operators may include Eremo Le Celle in their itineraries, especially those focused on spiritual or historical sites in Tuscany.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is one of profound peace and silence, often described as deeply spiritual. The only sounds are typically natural, like running water. It's a place to disconnect and find inner calm.
You can visit the cell where St. Francis lived, explore the ancient Franciscan convent, and wander through the serene natural surroundings. It's an experience focused on quiet reflection and appreciating the historical and spiritual significance of the site.
Absolutely. Many visitors, regardless of their religious background, find the peace, beauty, and historical significance of Eremo Le Celle to be very impressive and moving.
Facilities are minimal, reflecting the hermitage's nature. There are basic restrooms, and a small selection of souvenirs may be available for purchase, often on an honor system.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours at Eremo Le Celle, allowing time for quiet contemplation, exploration, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. It's not a place to rush.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted within the grounds of Eremo Le Celle, but it's always respectful to be mindful of the sacred nature of the site. Avoid intrusive photography, especially in areas of prayer or contemplation.
The rustic architecture of the convent, the serene cell of St. Francis, and the surrounding natural landscape with its stream offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Capture the tranquility and historical essence.
While not explicitly stated, it's good practice to avoid flash photography inside the chapel or cell areas and to be discreet. The focus should remain on experiencing the peace of the place.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Given the often shaded, natural light, a lens that performs well in lower light conditions can be beneficial. Tripods might be restricted in certain areas.
Drone usage is likely restricted due to the nature of the site as a religious hermitage and its proximity to natural areas. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.



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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit