During our visits to Umbria, we make a bunch of day trips. It's such a perfect area to start from, and there are so many wonderful places to check out within an hour or two driving.
We had heard about "Le Celle" from Aldo (of Bar Gallo fame) during our first visit to Panicale, but hadn't gotten around to going until last year, 2014. I can't believe we waited so long. It's a lovely spot, especially off season, which is when we normally travel.
"Le Celle" translates to The Cells…and the full name of this place is actually "Santuario Le Celle".
From what I've read, it dates from around 1200, and was a spiritual stop for Saint Francis of Assisi. Over several years and visits, it became a monastery which housed a small community of Franciscan monks. The Cells refer to the small rooms which were used for living quarters, as well as prayer.
It is located in a wooded area just a few kilometers from Cortona. The drive is easy, but it is a small and narrow road. Once there, you can park and stroll around the both the gardens and the monastery. You must stay quiet, but the energy here makes this task very easy.
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| The signpost at the entrance of Le Celle |
Supposedly, St. Francis helped build the cells, along with a follower, Brother Elia. St. Francis also dictated his Will here, four years before his death. So is written…
All I can say for certain is that it is beautiful, peaceful, and well worth a visit.
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| It was a perfect day for this. |
As we approached the entrance, all we could hear were birds, the gentle sound of the breeze, and the soft murmur of water winding down the canyon… I understand completely why St. Francis chose this place to spend some serious prayer time.
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| The color of the stone facade with the blue sky just makes me melt... |
We were there in late March, and though the day was a sunny one, it was not yet full blown spring. I would love to go back just to see this garden, below, in it's glory.
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| You pass above the garden as you approach the entrance to the main buildings. |
We could hear the sound of water well before we saw where it was coming from. What a great surprise! I couldn't help but imagine naked Franciscan monks sliding down this algae covered rock/water slide on a warm summer evening! I could just hear the laughter echoing off the canyon walls.
At least that's how I would love to imagine their life…lots of prayer and then some fun, you know?
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| Wheeeeeee! |
Once inside the actual chapel, we found the cell of St. Francis.
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| The sweet little chapel, with the cell of St. Francis to the right… This is the "old", original chapel. |
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| These peonies blew my mind, by the way. Yes, real. |
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| A place to pray and sleep... |
I think Johnny really enjoyed being in here. Seeing the stone cell and imagining St. Francis here. He has a very soft spot for old 'Frank'..and we have several versions of the famous animal & bird loving Saint in our garden at home.
I enjoyed it, too. I loved the total quietness of the surroundings. All we could hear were sounds of nature.
As it should be...
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| A contemplative Mr. J |
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| A stone bridge leads to the veg garden. |
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| We walked down the canyon a ways, and back up to see this view.. The new spring growth on the willow trees is so pretty. |
We spent time in various areas, but never saw another person. Even in the tiny gift shop. There was an 'honor system' box to put euros in, if you wanted something. Johnny picked out a few little things to bring home.
We could hear soft voices in the distance, but didn't see anyone. Maybe it was prayer time for the residents? There are a few still here. It was cool. We just wandered around, enjoying the ambiance and taking pictures...
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| A rather modern take on St. Francis. I like the birdies... |
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| Just one more thing I want for my garden. |
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| The 'new' chapel, constructed by Capucin monks around 1630. New…hehehehe. |
A morning very well spent, I must say. I would return, but later in the season. I'd like to see the gardens when they are really happening.
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| Time to say arrivederci, for now…. But we'll be back. |
As we drove back along the canyon, I had Johnny pull over to take a photo (below) from across the way. You can just see Le Celle there, in the middle. It's tucked in below the large stand of trees.
Like I said…you hardly know it's there, if you don't know where to look.
I bet that's just how they wanted it.
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| Le Celle…It's almost not even there…. |
Here's more information about this very special place:
Le Celle
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