Orta San Giulio Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled on the shores of Lake Orta in the Piedmont region of Italy, Orta San Giulio is a picturesque town that exudes charm and tranquility. With its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, this hidden gem is a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

One of the highlights of Orta San Giulio is its enchanting historic center. Stroll through the narrow alleyways, lined with ancient buildings and artisan shops, and discover the town's rich history. The main square, Piazza Motta, is a bustling hub where locals and tourists gather to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine in one of the charming cafés. From here, take a leisurely walk along the lake promenade and take in the breathtaking vistas.

Orta San Giulio is also known for its remarkable architectural gems. The town is dominated by the Sacro Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site that consists of 20 chapels dedicated to the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. Climb up the hill and visit these beautifully decorated chapels, each depicting different scenes from the saint's life. The views from the top are simply breathtaking.

For nature lovers, a visit to the nearby Isola San Giulio is a must. Take a short boat ride to this tiny island, home to a medieval basilica and a Benedictine monastery. Explore the narrow streets and enjoy the peaceful ambiance, or simply relax on the lakeside and soak in the tranquility.

Orta San Giulio is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Take a hike in the nearby Mottarone mountains, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the Alps. Visit the nearby town of Stresa and take a boat ride to the Borromean Islands, known for their stunning gardens and palaces.

Alternative names: Population: 1.3 thous.Area: 2.57 mi²Elevation: 984 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 45°47'54"N, 8°24'23"E

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PiedmontItaly

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Orta San Giulio Top Attractions

Orta San Giulio Attractions - What to See and Explore

Orta San Giulio offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Basilica di San Giulio, Mater Ecclesiae Abbey, Villa Crespi, Bagnera. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Sacred and religious sites • Church • Architecture
Basilica di San Giulio
Nestled on the enchanting island of San Giulio in the middle of Lake Orta, the Basilica di San Giulio is a serene spiritual retreat and a jewel of Italian religious architecture. This historic basilica, a cornerstone of faith and history in the picturesque city of Orta...
Monastery
Mater Ecclesiae Abbey
Mater Ecclesiae Abbey is an Italian Benedictine territorial abbey of nuns founded in 1973. The abbey is located on Lake Orta in northern Italy, considered one of the most scenic sites in the country.
45°47'48"N • 8°24'58"E
Villa Crespi
The Villa Crespi is a 19th-century Moorish revival-style rural palace, now a luxury hotel and restaurant, located on Via G. Fava 18, near the shores of Lago D'Orta in the town of Orta San Giulio, Province of Novara, Piedmont, Italy. It is notable for its scenic tall minaret-like tower.

45°48'4"N • 8°25'11"E
Bagnera
Beach
45°47'46"N • 8°23'60"E
San Giulio Island
San Giulio Island or St. Julius Island is an island within Lake Orta in Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The island is 275 m long, and is 140 m wide.
Historical place • Sacred and religious sites • Park
Sacro Monte di Orta
The Sacro Monte di Orta is a Roman Catholic devotional complex in the comune of Orta San Giulio on the summit of a hill known as San Nicolao, which faces the western shore of Lake Orta.
Village
Carcegna
Carcegna is a small village located above the eastern shore of Lake Orta, at an altitude of 490m, in the Province of Novara, Piedmont, Italy. Administratively a frazione of the commune of Miasino, it has 260 inhabitants, called Carcegnesi. Its patron saint is Saint Peter, celebrated on 29 June.

Day trips

Orta San Giulio – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Orta San Giulio, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Monterosa Ski, Forte di Bard, Cascata del Toce.

29 milesW
Ski area, Winter sport
Monterosa Ski
Monterosa Ski, Italy, is a premier alpine destination nestled in the heart of the Aosta Valley, offering an expansive and diverse terrain for skiers and snowboarders. Spread across three valleys and linked by a network of state-of-the-art lifts, the area boasts over...
35 milesSW
Museum, Specialty museum, Forts and castles
Forte di Bard
Perched atop a rocky outcrop in the Aosta Valley, the Forte di Bard is a formidable fortress-turned-museum that commands attention with its imposing architecture and rich cultural offerings. Dating back to the early 19th century, this historical bastion was initially...
42 milesN
Natural attraction, Waterfall, Park
Cascata del Toce
Nestled in the picturesque Italian Alps, the Cascata del Toce is a breathtaking natural wonder that captures the essence of unspoiled beauty. Towering at an impressive height of 143 meters, it is one of the highest waterfalls in Europe and a jewel of the Piedmont...
23 milesW
Alpine hut, Hiking
Val Vogna
Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, Val Vogna stands as a serene and picturesque valley, a hidden gem for those seeking an escape into nature. At the core of this tranquil haven lies an alpine hut that embodies the essence of mountain living.
27 milesW
Alpine hut, Hiking, Outdoor activities
Margherita Hut
Perched high in the Italian Alps, the Margherita Hut stands as a testament to human tenacity and the spirit of mountaineering. At an astonishing elevation of 4,554 meters, it is the highest alpine hut in Europe, offering shelter and respite to climbers braving the...