Pictures of the Franciscan convent of Le Celle outside Cortona, Italy

Le Celle is referred to as "Santuario Le Celle" or "Convento delle Celle" (Convent of the cells). A forty-five minute's walk outside the walls of Cortona will take you through the woods to an amazing complex of stark beige buildings spilling down the slopes of Monte Sant' Edigio. Saint Francis founded the monastery in the early 13th century, preaching here in 1211.

Locals and pilgrims alike find great spiritual inspiration from visiting Saint Francis' spartan cell with its stone bed and wooden pillow. There is a church and a small store on the property. A visit is free of charge.

Enjoy our Le Celle Pictures. Click each picture to see it full size.