A lovely little village on the eastern banks of Lake Orta (Lago d'Orta), Orta San Giulio sits on the tip of a peninsula pushing into the lake, a picture book confection of pastel-painted houses on narrow cobbled streets. Orta is the main centre on this shore of the lake, lying in Piedmont's Novara province, around 40km north west of Novara itself. The city of Turin (Torino) is around 100km south west of here.
Behind and above the town is the Sacro Monte, a place of pilgrimage, with 21 chapels devoted to St Francis of Assisi. Since 2003, the Sacro Monte d'Orta has been designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Even if the spirit of religious devotion doesn't burn strongly within (and some of the painted tableaux of St Francis's life do border on the tacky) you will find the trip up to Sacro Monte well worthwhile for the super views of Lake Orta below. Surrounded by pine trees, this is a delightful and fragrant spot.
The other must-see at Orta San Giulio is the Isola San Giulio, the diminutive island hamlet floating just offshore, and home to the 12th century basilica, the tower of the same, and a starkly white seminary. Back in Orta San Giulio, and you'll find some good bars and restaurants. Everything is based around the two main piazzas of the Piazza Motta and the Piazzetta Ernesto Ragazzoni.
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, to get you in the mood
- see also our full listings of Orta San Giulio hotels.
