Torreone: Hiking Trails, Eremo Le Celle and Cortona’s Archaeology

Torreone Among Hiking Trails and Franciscan Heritage

At the Franciscan Eremo “Le Celle,” visitors can explore the grounds and take part in the spiritual activities offered by the religious community. At the same time, the Sentiero di Pietra and the “Anello Torreone, Croce di Sant’Egidio, Le Celle e Torreone” loop trail offer different ways to experience the landscape.

Trails Through Forest and Cultural Landscape

The Sentiero di Pietra includes the Torreone–Sant’Egidio section and follows CAI Trail 561. The Chiesa di San Carlo al Torreone is one of the stops along this trail. The Sentiero di Pietra also passes through forests consisting predominantly of oak trees. As a result, the focus is not only on the route itself, but also on the transition between the village, sacred architecture and a forested setting.

The Loop Trail with Views and Definite Details

From the Santuario di Santa Margherita down to Torreone, the “Anello Torreone, Croce di Sant’Egidio, Le Celle e Torreone” loop trail follows CAI Trail 561S. At Torreone, it continues along a signposted path beside the Chiesa di San Carlo. After the last houses, the loop trail enters a pine forest; it also runs along a paved path reminiscent of an ancient Roman road.

The loop trail reaches a viewpoint overlooking Cortona and the Valdichiana and passes through a chestnut grove. At 12.50 km in length for the outward and return journey, with 500 m of elevation gain and a medium difficulty level, it provides concrete reference points for your planning.

Church and Archaeological Traces

The Chiesa di San Carlo al Torreone was built in 1632 by decision of Bishop Della Robbia for the faithful who lived in the Torreone area. The building is simple and has a single nave; it contains three altars and a roof with exposed rafters.

The Strada romana del Torreone is part of Cortona’s archaeological route outside the town. For the monuments of the archaeological park, the MAEC provides documentation, reception, orientation and visitor-management services. In the village of Torre Mozza, below the Fortezza del Girifalco, an interesting section of Etruscan structures has also been preserved, having remained untouched by the Renaissance renewal.

Franciscan Connection to Le Celle

In Tuscany, the Via di Francesco leads to the historic Franciscan Eremo Le Celle before Cortona. At the Franciscan Eremo “Le Celle,” you can explore the grounds and take part in the religious community’s spiritual activities. This means that, when choosing your accommodation, you can consider Torreone according to the focus of your trip: you can place hiking trails, views and forests, the Chiesa di San Carlo and archaeological topics, or the Franciscan connection to Le Celle at the center of your plans.

Other Places for Planning Your Trip

Camucia, Pergo Di Cortona, Riccio, Terontola, Campaccio, Sant'agata, Col Di Morro and Ossaia

For the higher-level travel overview: Cortona.