Visit Lake Orta
Lake Orta is a quiet lake, 15km in length, in the southern Alps just west of Lake Maggiore, in the Piedmont region.
It is in a picturesque setting surrounded by woods and hills. The village of Orta San Giulio is on the south-eastern edge of the lake, and is an interesting place to visit with an attractive historical centre bearing witness to a wealthy past.
The village is looked down on by the sanctuary of Sacro Monte - the path to the sanctuary has some especially good views across the lake, and passes 21 little chapels en-route. The ensemble is dedicated to St Francis of Assissi.
Romantically sited in the centre of the lake is the island Isola San Giulio. The main reason to visit the island (rather than just looking from afar) is to visit the basilica and the renowned pulpit and 15th century frescoes it contains.
The island is easily reached on the boats that frequently leave from the central plaza in Orta San Giulio.