Lake Orta, surely Piedmont’s most romantic lake, is close to the Swiss border, among the green forests and rocky foothills of the Italian Alps.
The lake is just an hour from Milan
Yes, the Piedmont region has the great lakes of Como and Maggiore, and the Veneto has Lake Garda, and Lake Orta is lesser known, which is what makes it more intimate and laidback. Just 40 kilometres from Milan’s Malpensa airport, the town of Orta San Giulio is on the lake and is considered one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy. Strolling through its characteristic streets past old palaces, elegant arcades and villas, shops and local taverns, you will discover all its old-world charm.
Frescoes of St. Francis of Assisi and Pella
Located in the hilly area above Orta San Giulio, the Sacro Monte d'Orta is dedicated to St Francis of Assisi. Here starts the route to the 20 chapels that are frescoed with episodes from the saint’s life, and of course there are breathtaking views over the lake and Orta San Giulio. Pella, situated on the opposite shore to Orta San Giulio, is a small village with a magnificent perspective across this romantic lake and to the island of San Giulio.
An island for meditation
The mysterious island of San Giulio in Lake Orta’s center is located opposite Orta San Giulio. This is a small and enchanting island with an abbey of cloistered nuns, and the Basilica of San Giulio. On arrival visitors are greeted by a flight of steps and the Path of Meditation, a place of spirituality and a peaceful corner with dwellings, courtyards and splendid views.
A cliff-hanging sanctuary, beaches and little restaurants
The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso, located on a cliff overlooks the lake in the Borgo di Boleto area. The sanctuary has a dome frescoed by Lorenzo Peracino, as well as a Deposition of Christ by Fermo Stella da Caravaggio, and at the top there is a belvedere called the Cusio Balcony with views over the entire lake. A series of little beaches ring Lake Orta, some of which are public while others have lidos with bars and restrooms. There are also many little restaurants specializing in local delicacies.
