Torreone: Hiking Trails, Le Celle and Cultural Heritage

Torreone is a destination for you if you would like to combine your time in Tuscany with clearly described hiking trails and sites of cultural and historical interest. Highlights include the Sentiero di Pietra, the circular trail via Croce di Sant’Egidio and Le Celle, as well as the Chiesa di San Carlo al Torreone. The Franciscan complex of Le Celle and traces of Cortona’s history add to this—a combination that brings together different interests within a single trip.

Hiking between Torreone, Sant’Egidio and Le Celle

The Sentiero di Pietra includes the Torreone–Sant’Egidio section and follows CAI Trail 561. Its landscape is characterized primarily by oak forests. The Chiesa di San Carlo al Torreone is a stop along this trail, making it a specific cultural landmark within the hiking route.

A second option described in detail is the circular route “Anello Torreone, Croce di Sant’Egidio, Le Celle e Torreone”. It leads from the Santuario di Santa Margherita down to Torreone along CAI Trail 561S. Near Torreone, the route continues along a signposted path beside the Chiesa di San Carlo. After the last houses, it enters a pine forest and then continues along a paved path reminiscent of an ancient Roman road.

The circular route reaches a viewpoint overlooking Cortona and the Valdichiana and also passes through a chestnut grove. The circular route is 12.50 km long, including the outward and return sections, has an elevation gain of 500 m and is rated medium in difficulty. This makes it possible to plan the outing differently from a short walk around a single cultural site.

Le Celle and Franciscan history

At the Franciscan Hermitage of “Le Celle”, visitors can explore the grounds and take part in the spiritual activities offered by the religious community. In Tuscany, the Via di Francesco leads to the historic Franciscan Hermitage of Le Celle before Cortona. Those interested in religious history and paths through the countryside will therefore find an independent focal point here alongside the Sentiero di Pietra.

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. Its location along the hiking trail and its historical origins give the site more than just a landscape dimension.

The Strada romana del Torreone is also part of Cortona’s archaeological route outside the town. For the monuments of the archaeological park, 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, remaining outside the Renaissance renewal.

Discover more places in the surrounding area

If you would like to extend your search beyond Torreone, you can then explore Montanare, Campaccio, Pietraia, Sant'agata, Riccio, Chianacce, Monsigliolo and Col Di Morro.

For the broader travel overview: Cortona.