Eremo Le Celle, Cortona
Eremo Le Celle
Eremo Le Celle
5
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
101 within 3 miles
Caffe Del Torreone
30
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Organika
35
1.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • Contemporary
Le Rughe di Cortona
75
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • Healthy
Ristorante Ambrosia
414
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • Vegetarian Friendly
Trattoria Toscana
1,460
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Steakhouse • Mediterranean
Osteria del Teatro
2,950
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • Tuscan
Cortona Bistrot
570
1.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • European
Gelateria Snoopy
457
1.5 mi$ • Dessert • Italian • International
Sartù
280
1.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • Healthy
Trattoria Dardano
1,300
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • Tuscan
Attractions
79 within 6 miles
Basilica di Santa Margherita
585
1.2 miChurches & Cathedrals
Museo Diocesano
400
1.5 miSpeciality Museums
Piazza della Repubblica
796
1.5 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Belvedere di Cortona
153
1.5 miCaverns & Caves • Cemeteries
Chiesa San Francesco
154
1.4 miReligious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Piazza Garibaldi
218
1.5 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
MAEC - Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca
514
1.5 miHistory Museums
winery Agriturismo Santo Stefano
147
Wineries & Vineyards
Duomo di Cortona
341
1.5 miReligious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Bramasole
156
1.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,230 reviews
Excellent
1,002
Very good
197
Average
25
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Brun066
Florence, Italy10,941 contributions
Oct 2020
As is often the case with Franciscan places, this monastery stands in a secluded site, rich in landscape values. The sensitivity of Francis of Assisi to all aspects of nature is well known: according to some, this sensitivity makes him a precursor of modern environmentalism, and in any case it makes him perhaps the only character in Christian hagiography who is also significant for other religions.
In this case, the choice of the site for the construction of the monastic settlement is not due to some followers of Francis, but to Francis himself. In fact it is proven that he founded this building in the remote year 1211, on land donated to him by a follower residing in Cortona, Guido Vagnotelli.
Francesco's cell - as usual narrow and very poor - is still in its original position, and around it new buildings have progressively been added, built by local sandstone, which today seamlessly cover the right side of a gorge. At the bottom of the gorge, on a bed of living rock, the torrent flows (nevertheless it was almost dry when we visited the site).
The charm of the site is powerful, but it's more environmental than strictly architectural. Nonetheless, this is an attraction worth a detour if you are in Cortona.
In this case, the choice of the site for the construction of the monastic settlement is not due to some followers of Francis, but to Francis himself. In fact it is proven that he founded this building in the remote year 1211, on land donated to him by a follower residing in Cortona, Guido Vagnotelli.
Francesco's cell - as usual narrow and very poor - is still in its original position, and around it new buildings have progressively been added, built by local sandstone, which today seamlessly cover the right side of a gorge. At the bottom of the gorge, on a bed of living rock, the torrent flows (nevertheless it was almost dry when we visited the site).
The charm of the site is powerful, but it's more environmental than strictly architectural. Nonetheless, this is an attraction worth a detour if you are in Cortona.
Written October 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mauro C
Milan, Italy160 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
10 minutes by car from Cortona, is definitely worth a visit. Even short one. I am not religious but the place has something really unique. Amazing the merge with nature and the feeling of peace and calm.
Written August 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ebbtide123
Washington DC, DC976 contributions
Sep 2013 • Friends
Approx 15 minutes drive through a winding road from Cortona takes you to this picturesque monastery tucked in a gorge, surrounded with dense vegetation. Its historical connection to St Francis of Assisi attracts a lot of pilgrims but luckily for us, there were not many people since it was the end of the tourist season. A visit to St Francis' room shows his spartan dwellings was by miles not anywhere near modern comforts. We wandered inside its chapel and saw a monk saying his prayer audibly. A stroll below the ramparts and across the stream took us to tranquil trails deep into the forest. What a perfect place to contemplate and refresh our thoughts.
Written October 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
5Gypsy
Tuscany, Italy18 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
If you are living close to Cortona and you have nothing to do for 10 minutes, then a trip up to Eremo le Celle is fine, but if you are coming from far and wide don't bother.
I live in the Arezzo Province and brought relatives here based on the reviews. What a disappointment! There is nothing to see here other than the outside buildings themselves, a small chapel and room where St. Francis used, the room next door for buying religious memorabilia and a small church. Other than that everything else is blocked off and you have no access to anything else.
If you are in the Arezzo Province then go up to the sanctuary at Chuisi della Verna on the road between Arezzo and Bibbiena, towards Chitignano. There is far more to see and do up there, and I would give that a 10/10, whereas Eremo gets a 2/10. A total waste of time and petrol!
I live in the Arezzo Province and brought relatives here based on the reviews. What a disappointment! There is nothing to see here other than the outside buildings themselves, a small chapel and room where St. Francis used, the room next door for buying religious memorabilia and a small church. Other than that everything else is blocked off and you have no access to anything else.
If you are in the Arezzo Province then go up to the sanctuary at Chuisi della Verna on the road between Arezzo and Bibbiena, towards Chitignano. There is far more to see and do up there, and I would give that a 10/10, whereas Eremo gets a 2/10. A total waste of time and petrol!
Written August 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thomas R
Atlanta240 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
While he is often referred to as Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Francis actually spent a fair amount of time in Cortona prior to his pilgrimage to Assisi.
You can walk or drive about 5 kilometers from Cortona to the Hermitage delle Celle, a place where Saint Francis lived in 1211, and which has been called le Celle since the time he was there. You can see St Francis' small room (cave) with a stone bed and wood "pillow."
This is an absolutely beautiful place to visit and might even prove inspirational for you.
Le Celle is located at the foot of Mt Sant’Egidio. Saint Francis, along with a few of his followers, built the first nine cells of the hermitage. Before they arrived there were only a few small hermit’s cottages and peasant dwellings, along with a small chapel. It is said that these places had been built during the Longobard invasions and dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
Le Celle is worth the time to visit.
You can walk or drive about 5 kilometers from Cortona to the Hermitage delle Celle, a place where Saint Francis lived in 1211, and which has been called le Celle since the time he was there. You can see St Francis' small room (cave) with a stone bed and wood "pillow."
This is an absolutely beautiful place to visit and might even prove inspirational for you.
Le Celle is located at the foot of Mt Sant’Egidio. Saint Francis, along with a few of his followers, built the first nine cells of the hermitage. Before they arrived there were only a few small hermit’s cottages and peasant dwellings, along with a small chapel. It is said that these places had been built during the Longobard invasions and dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
Le Celle is worth the time to visit.
Written November 5, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
YG - travel
Istanbul, Turkey195 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
This is a nice sanctuary in ge middle of mountains - however it was rather quite - only with 2 rooms open - and the portion visited was very limited . It may be a good place to visit of you are already on cortona but I would not recommend tohave the full trip from the main road unless you have an HR to kill...
You may rather spend it in Cortona!!
You may rather spend it in Cortona!!
Written July 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Marissa147
Irvine, CA4 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
Take the long walk from Cortona to Le Celle... bring water, pack some snacks, a friend to talk to, or music to listen to, and your camera. You'll find plenty of fun shots along the way.
Written January 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Natalie P
Elmhurst, IL14 contributions
Oct 2013 • Friends
I absolutely loved this place. Quiet, peaceful and absolutely beautiful. The waterfall after the rain put you in a spiritual place. We returned on our way out of town just for one last look and a little more peace.
We went to mass on Sunday morning at 10:30. It was very simple and didn't at all cater to tourists. Everything in the place is in Italian, although you don't need to speak Italian to appreciate the calm and beauty.
We went to mass on Sunday morning at 10:30. It was very simple and didn't at all cater to tourists. Everything in the place is in Italian, although you don't need to speak Italian to appreciate the calm and beauty.
Written October 30, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
InnerItalian
San Diego138 contributions
May 2012 • Friends
Before going to this historic site in Cortona I thought it would only be a little room where St Francis lived.. Actually it's a large monastery in set in pristine landscape next to a beautiful stream. There is a room where St Francis lived which is wonderful to see, but the entire property is definitely worth a visit...
Written June 26, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
froghollow20
Maianbar NSW Australia52 contributions
Oct 2011 • Friends
Spouse, friends and I visited the monastery, Le Celle, where St Francis spent time in 1226, saw his cell, the 30 cm wide plank with a half log for a pillow that was his bed......such self discipline.........not for this kid! However it is a visit that I highly recommend. There is an air of serenity about the buildings which are in a beautiful setting. It is awesome to contemplate the commitment and belief of those who have lived in this place.
Written November 3, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sono previste visite guidate o libere?
Alessandro C
Savignone, Italy730 contributions
Si possono prenotare visite guidate o girare liberamente ed in autonomia rispettando il carattere di luogo sacro e silenzioso che l'eremo suggerisce
Martacapraro1998b
Modena, Italy23 contributions
È possibile portarsi il cane?
robedikappa
Bagnone, Italy228 contributions
Credo di si,perchè internamente,a parte la chiesetta c'è molto poco da vedere.
Hallo allemaal, Hello all,
Is Le Celle nog bewoond, en door wie dan?
Of zitten gewoon de deuren op slot?
English:
Do there still live people, and who are they?
Or are the doors just locked?
Groeten, greetings,
Willemz.
Aphrodia R
Florence, Italy4 contributions
Arrivando dalla stazione ferroviaria di Camucia quanto dista a piedi? Grazie
CristinaGer76
Province of Perugia, Italy73 contributions
Salve, da Camucia all'eremo sono circa 6 km ma è tutta in salita e a piedi ci vuole circa un'ora e mezza; conviene prendere il bus fino a Cortona alta e poi se si vuole, proseguire a piedi.
In macchina si percorre la SP34 e si arriva in 12 minuti.
Stacey R
Newport Beach, CA3 contributions
Hi Christine!
I appreciated your review about Cortona/Eremo and would love the name and contact for your tour guide?
Thank you so much!
sunsets4life
Edmonds, WA71 contributions
Hi,
How long of a walk is it from Cortona to this place? Does one need a car?
Paola G
Santa Ana, Costa Rica27 contributions
It was 10min in car. You should have a car since it is at a hill
Cristiano M
Pistoia, Italy100 contributions
E' distante dal centro ? Cone ci si arriva a piedi ?
Gianluca
73 contributions
c'è un parcheggio vicino.
Robert S
Baton Rouge, LA63 contributions
Is there a time when one might be able to hear Gregorian chanting? Is there a tour offered of the premises or is it just a self guided visit? Are there hours of operation? Thank you
happycouple090
Athlone, Ireland146 contributions
Hello, visited Eremo Le Celle in october when visiting Cortona, we done this on foot about a 50 min walk each way,you may need maps as it was through rural roads, got details from a lady called Ramona in Hotel Italia in Cortona, We don't really know if there is Greorian chanting and we went there without a tour on foot, try contacting Ramona in Hotel Italia in Cortona, speaks good english and helpful about local attractions,
doming70
Civitavecchia, Italy10 contributions
E' possibile visitare l'eremo con un cagnolino di media taglia (10 Kg)?
Vincenzo C
45 contributions
Penso proprio di sì anche perché ricordo che puoi visitare l'esterno, all'Interno hai pochissimi spazi da visitare....
Frequently Asked Questions about Eremo Le Celle
- We recommend booking Eremo Le Celle tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Eremo Le Celle tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Eremo Le Celle:
- (1.37 mi) Monastero di Cortona Hotel & Spa
- (1.49 mi) Casa Chilenne B&B
- (1.53 mi) Villa Marsili
- (1.53 mi) Dolce Maria
- (1.48 mi) Casa Soleluna B&B
- Restaurants near Eremo Le Celle:
- (1.48 mi) Cortona Bistrot
- (1.50 mi) Sartù
- (1.42 mi) Trattoria Toscana
- (1.39 mi) Le Rughe di Cortona
- (1.44 mi) Osteria del Teatro