ORTA LAKE

An enchanting mirror-like jewel for the imagination of poets and painters.
surrounded by tiny villages that seem to have remained lost in the mists of time, with frequent but discreet religious interests to be found in the important, unique works of art originating there, seeming to stimulate reflection and the desire to look into oneself.

The following masterpiences should not be missed:

• sacro monte with its chapels dedicated to the life of st francis,
• the island of san giulio, where saint julius landed and built the basilica in the 12th century and where the narrow cobbled streets are dedicated to silence and  meditation  the bishops' palace or  palazzo dei vescovi, now the convent of a closed order of nuns where it is at times possible to listen to gregorian chants, certainly a very impressive occasion
• orta, medieval village where time has apparently stopped, the main square , piazza motta, with its narrow cobbled streets, the ancient palazzo della comunita' going back to the 16th century (now an exhibition hall).

Thanks to the fine microclimate the lush lake flora, mimosa, rhododendron, azaleas, wisteria, hydrangeas, gardenias and other gorgeous flowers bud and bloom one after the other throughout the season from spring to autumn.
But that is not all, during the summer months it is also delightful to take a cooling dip in the crystal clear lake, waterski or take a trip in a boat to discover the hidden beauties of the lake, and the mysterious island.  

Download the brochuere about Orta Lake