THE PARK, THE PROMENADE AND THE CONVENT OF LE CELLE

Villa Cherubini offers from its terrace a stunning view of the Valdichiana and the town of Cortona. Flowers and plants in the garden surrounding the villa are carefully looked after and here and there guests may behold a number of stone sculptures personally carved by the owner, an expert stone-mason. A tree-lined promenade offers guests a chance to walk all the way to the Convent of Le Celle.

The Celle hermitage and St. Francis of Assisi

The Convent of Le Celle was the first established by St. Francis of Assisi in 1211 and here the Saint lived after receiving the stigmata. It is here that the Saint dictated his testament in 1226 few months before his death. His tiny cell and the original oratory are still visitable. Friars live here ever since 1211. St.Francis was then on an evangelization tour as recommended by the Pope who had recently approved his evangelical lifestyle. St. Francis last visited the hermitage in 1226, four months before his death.
Le Celle is an intensely spiritual place that also Frate Elia from Cortona, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Bonaventura, St. Lawrence of Brindisi and the blessed Guido of Cortona chose as their abode.