In the province of Novara, on the shores of the beautiful Lake Orta in Piedmont, there is a real Italian jewel that is really worth visiting at least once in your life: it is the Island of San Giulio, a triumph of beauty and architecture, located in front of the village of Orta San Giulio, the ideal destination for a trip out of town.
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Island of San Giulio between legend and beauty
The history of Isola San Giulio is linked to a mysterious legend that, in the past, the island was nothing more than a simple rock inhabited by monsters and snakes. According to tradition everything changed in 390, when Saint Julius, carried by his cloak and guided by his staff, arrived on the island founding his church and turning it into the center of evangelization of the whole region.
Currently, the old town is characterized by narrow stone streets and characteristic structures that attract the attention of hundreds of visitors every year. To do its part is also the village of Orta San Giulio, located in an elevated area, from which dominates the entire Lake of Legro. The homonymous locality, besides being an important economic pole, is also destination of numerous artists who paint frescoes on its walls, making it unique and characteristic.
Fonte: ladarbia.it
Choosing Lake Orta and the Island of San Giulio as a destination for a romantic weekend or a trip out of town can not disappoint, also because the country is among the most beautiful villages in Italy and the Italian Touring Club has awarded him the Orange Flag.
There are many ferries that depart every day from Orta San Giulio to the island of San Giulio: they offer tourists and visitors places and monuments that are simply not to be missed.
What to see on San Giulio Island
Visiting the island of San Giulio is the ideal opportunity to explore all the wonders that overlook Lake Orta. Those who love walking can choose between two itineraries, one that starts from Villa Crespi and reaches the lake, the other that surrounds the lake and can also be traveled by bike.
Fonte: piemonteitalia.eu
Despite its small size, the Island of San Giulio takes almost a whole day to be visited completely: it starts from the main path, called Via del Silenzio, which requires a journey time of over an hour before leading to the island; here you can visit the Basilica of San Giulio and the Abbey Mater Ecclesiae, very suggestive, and then stop in one of the different restaurants of the place to have lunch or dinner in an intimate and romantic atmosphere.
What to see at Lake Orta
Those who are visiting the Island of San Giulio can not refrain from making a trip around Lake Orta, where there are places so special to be able to excite and engage totally.
Fonte: camperalpedevero.it
Compared to Lake Como and Lake Maggiore is certainly less known, but one thing is certain: whoever was there was definitely satisfied!
Here’s what to see:
Orta San Giulio
Among the most beautiful villages in Italy, Orta San Giulio is an unmissable stop because of its streets and palaces, its arcades and villas, its shops and its many taverns.
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The main point coincides with Piazza Motta, full of restaurants and shops, from which ferries leave for the island of San Giulio. From here you can reach the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and Villa Bossi, while the historic center is particularly known for Villa Crespi, the gourmet restaurant of Antonino Cannavacciuolo.
Sacro Monte d’Orta
Located in the hilly area overlooking Orta San Giulio, the Sacro Monte d’Orta is entirely dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi; Consequently, anyone who arrives can make a real spiritual journey among the 20 chapels decorated with frescoes depicting episodes of the life of the Saint that lead to the final chapel, that of Saint Nicholas of Mira.
Fonte: tripadvisor.com
Omegna
Located north of Orta San Giulio is Omegna, a small Roman village crossed by the Nigoglia canal that leads into the Parco della Fantasia; the latter, dedicated to Gianni Rodari, is designed specifically for children. Do not miss the Church of San Gaudenzio, the Porta Romana and the Collegiate Church of Sant’Ambrogio.
Fonte: gitefuoriportainpiemonte.it
Pella
On the opposite shore of Orta San Giulio is Pella: from this small village you can observe the lake from a different perspective, almost magical. Inside it is recommended to visit Piazza di Rialzo, where there is the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and the Parish Church of Sant’Albino.
Fonte: italyreview.com
Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso
Visiting Lake Orta is equivalent to entering the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso, located on a rock overlooking the lake. From its top it is possible to admire the whole basin, so much to be nicknamed the “balcony of the Cusio”.
Fonte: tripadvisor.com
Pleasant
Another charming town is Ameno, surrounded by lush nature. Its origins are ancient, so much so that it still boasts churches, monuments and palaces rich in history, culture and tradition. Combining nature and artistic beauty, Ameno offers an unforgettable experience to all those who decide to visit it.
Fonte: novaratoday.it
The beaches
Finally, in a complete itinerary of Lake Orta you can not miss its beaches! The main ones are:
- Ortello beach, free and free;
- Miami Beach, a lido equipped with bars, restaurants and sunbeds and parasols rental service;
- Lido di Gozzano, the best equipped lido of the lake;
- Rialaccio Municipal Beach, free admission;
- Dolphin’s beach, both free and paid;
- Pascolo beach, municipal free;
- Orta Beach, private and belonging to the restaurant Luci sul Lago.
Fonte: lagodorta.piemonte.it
Copertina: turistipercaso
