Eremo Le Celle

This is a stunning example of a Franciscan convent set 3 1/2 km from Cortona on the slopes of Monte S. Egidio, over the Vignone Torrent.

Saint Francis had it built in the early 1200's and Brother Elia, Beato Guido, S. Bonaventura and S. Antonio da Padova all lived here. Today you can still see the cell where the Saint stayed.

Inside the church, the altarpiece on the high altar of the Madonna and Saints, is by Giovanni Morraci (1637-1703). This covers a precious reliquary which was given to the church by the Bishop of Cortona, Ugolino Carlini in 1846. In the refectory there is a beautiful Deposition in wood by Giovanni Curradi da Ravezzano, pupil of Giambologna. This convent is still a fascinating place because of its unique position, the silence that surrounds it, which creates a mystical atmosphere and also because it sheltered the "Poverello di Assisi" (Mendicant of Assisi).

A lot of people come to pay tribute to St Francis' cell: a narrow quadrangular room, 1.80 x 2.50 m. and only 1.90 m. high. The Saint's bed is still preserved inside, as well as an old sand-glass and a copy of a painting of the Madonna and Child in front of which St. Francis used to pray. Through a small window in the wall facing the Torrent one can see the place where the cell of Beato Guido was built, which was destroyed by a serious flood.