Monastery of Santa Chiara

A monastery complex with chapel designed by Vasari is one of Cortona's historic sights to see. The Franciscan order of the Claires was founded here in the 1200s, while St. Francis was still alive. It was expanded in the 1600s, and the lovely chapel contains a masterpiece work by hometown artist, Pietro da Cortona. Located in the upper part of Cortona, there are great views extending down to the plains and to Lake Trasimeno.

But another reason to come to this monastery is the singing sisters. The intimate chapel has a daily 8:00 AM Mass where the nuns with angelic voices provide a heavenly chorus that will lift your spirits and definitely worth attending.