The town of Orta San Giulio. Italy. Lake Orto, Orta San Giulio. Holy Mountain and the Island of Silence (Italy)

Fabulous Villa Crespi, more reminiscent of a magical palace from Arabian tales, perched on the shore of the small Piedmontese Lake Orta. The building of this hotel, exceptional in its appearance and luxurious interior, was erected back in 1897 by Cristoforo Benigno Crespi, a successful cotton merchant, next to the lake where Cristoforo spent almost all of his childhood. Since, often visiting the east, the merchant was fascinated by Baghdad, Villa Crespi was built in the Moorish style. In the 1930s, the Villa was sold to the Marquis of Erakassi, and for many years it was visited by industrial magnates, poets and members of the royal family. It is enough to note that King Umberto I and Queen Margaret of Savoy stayed here. Rafael Esposito, the modern owner of Villa Crespi, renovated the hotel in 1999 and combined history, nature and art to create an unforgettable experience for guests. The rooms are furnished with antique furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries, and the bathrooms are decorated in marble. The hotel is surrounded by a large picturesque park.

Sacro Monte St. Francis

Italian monasteries and Holy Mountains (Sacri Monti) - a real guide to European history. They are not as popular among tourists and not as promoted as the creations of the Renaissance masters, but they are definitely worth a visit.

There are at least three reasons for this. Firstly, they are decorated with unique frescoes, statues and bas-reliefs and are historical and architectural monuments. All Holy Mountains are included in the list world heritage UNESCO. Secondly, these mountains offer breathtaking views of the lakes Northern Italy: the most picturesque places for the chapels were chosen. Thirdly, it is not without reason that for centuries people have believed that prayers are fulfilled here and the sick and suffering are healed.

The Holy Mountains of Italy (Sacri Monti) are nine complexes in the Alpine foothills.

The mountain on Lake Orta is dedicated to Saint Francis - each of the 10 chapels is painted with frescoes and decorated with figures, as a guide to the life of the saint: from the birth of little Francis to the appearance of Christ, blessing the charter of the Franciscan Order. The figures are very touching and somewhat reminiscent of a comic book - only medieval. The path to the mountain starts from the town of Orta San Giulio. In total, the complex includes 900 frescoes and 376 sculptures. As a rule, chapels were built at a controlled distance from each other - so that pilgrims could read “Ave Maria” 10 times.

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Palace of the Commune

The Palace of the Commune is a historical building located in Piazza Motta, in the very center of the village of Orta San Giulio. It was built during the period of regional autonomy in 1582 and was intended for meetings of the Council of the Riviera.

The building is made in a classical style with some Baroque elements. It harmoniously fits into the original architectural image of the square, which includes Baroque palaces, Renaissance lodges and quiet villas. A distinctive feature of the two-story building is the absence of a first floor, the space of which is framed by massive arches decorated with stucco details and relief images. The building is accessed via a small external staircase, decorated with minor wrought iron elements. The entire façade of the building is lavishly decorated with frescoes, some of them in the form of windows.

Currently, the building of the Palace of the Commune has been restored and is open to visitors.

Love to visit unusual places, captivating with its architecture and nature? Then visit Isola di San Giulio and you will not be disappointed. As a result of archaeological research, it was proven that the first settlers appeared here at the beginning of the Iron Age. In “dark” times, due to its convenient location, the island was an important defensive center. Its length is 275 meters and width is 140 meters. In 1973, a Benedictine monastery was founded here, where important research was carried out, as well as a laboratory and research center for the study of textile production.

The largest building on the island is the Basilica of San Giulio, built in the 9th century by the Bishop of Novara. Along the entire perimeter of Isola di San Giulio there is a narrow pedestrian street, a stroll along which you can get acquainted with all the attractions of the island. Tourists are fascinated by the diversity of the local architecture of the island; on many buildings you can see both Gothic frescoes and Baroque stucco, which is the result of the fusion of cultures of different peoples. In addition to amazing buildings, there are various tunnels and underground passages. Wandering around the island, you will get a lot unforgettable impressions, enjoying the amazing nature and architecture.

The most popular attractions of Orta San Giulio with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Orta San Giulio on our website.

Lake d'Orta, also known as Lago d'Orta, is another of the wonderful places that Italy is so famous for. A small body of water, surrounded by gentle alpine slopes, is located in the province of Piemonte, near the majestic Lago Maggiore. A quiet, cozy pond is framed by romantic landscapes.

The mountain reservoir was formed naturally back in ancient times, when glaciers descended from high-altitude peaks. A small fissure was filled with cold streams and springs gushing out from under the ground. For a long time, Saint Julius (San Giulio) was considered the patron saint of the lake. According to numerous legends, San Giulio lived in the vicinity of the beautiful lake back in the 4th century AD. Modern name was assigned to the lake already in the 16th century.

The great Frenchman Honore de Balzac called this picturesque corner of Italy “a gray pearl in a green box.” Friedrich Nietzsche (German: Friedrich Nietzsche) gained inspiration on the banks of a wonderful pond to create his masterpiece “Thus Spoke Zarathustra.” The emerald waves of the mountain ramparts smoothly roll down to the blue mirror of the lake waters - this is the main and undeniable attraction of d’Orta.

Surprisingly fresh air, purified by caps of snow high in the mountains, as if invisible waterfall descends to the valley. Already below, frosty freshness intertwines with the aromas of plants and herbs, then acquires a light aquatic hue. After taking a deep breath of this extraordinary cocktail, you can go straight to the edge of the lake to watch pairs of graceful swans swimming majestically across the pond. It is not surprising that the English poet Robert Browning mentioned d'Orta as the place where "the Alps meet the snowy skies."

Geography and climate

Unlike its grandiose neighbor, Lago d'Orta has modest parameters: area - about 18 km 2, length - about 13 km, bottom depth - up to 140 m. The oval elongated shape of the reservoir is somewhat disrupted by a squiggle in the south-eastern part. Here lies one of the significant settlements valley - the city of Orta San Giulio.

The unusually mild climate and crystal clear waters are of particular charm. With the first days of spring, warmth comes to the Lago d'Orta valley, warming the air to +27 +35 0 C. The water temperature rises a little more slowly, due to the influence of cold springs. The water level will remain stable at +27+28 0 C until late autumn.

Attractions

Holidays in the vicinity of Lake d'Orta do not tolerate fuss; small medieval streets covered with paving stones and ancient houses subtly remind you of the passage of time.

Orta San Giulio

The town of Orta San Giulio is very popular. Its architecture contains the entire history of Italian architecture, but great emphasis was placed on the Baroque and Renaissance times. Palazzos and villas of the Italian nobility combine perfectly with water blues and greenery mountain valley. It is especially pleasant to stroll through the numerous gardens, fragrant with the aromas of tropical and native Italian flora.

Historical and architectural monuments give the city a special chic - the Palace of the Commune (Palazzo delle Comunita), built near Motto Square (Italian: Piazza Motto). Light three-storey building The palazzo demonstrates a simple interweaving of baroque and classics. The building looks impressive due to the wide arched openings decorating its first floor.

Hotel Villa Crespi

Visitors to the city take their breath away when they first see a hotel called Villa Crespi. On the shore of the lake, in the middle of a luxurious green park, stands an unusual building, as if created by the skillful hands of a genie. The noble 19th century silk merchant Cristoforo Benigno Crespi developed a deep love for oriental art. At his behest, a villa arose in a secluded corner of Italy, equipped with a real Arab tower. The bright turquoise dome of the high-rise tower is visible from afar; it harmonizes perfectly with the oriental motifs in the decoration of the entire mansion.

At one time, the rich rooms of the estate served to receive royalty - Margaret of Savoy (Margherita von Savoyen) and King Umberto I (Umberto I). Currently, Villa Crespi opens its doors exclusively to the most eminent and wealthy guests. Huge park, incredible mountain landscapes, wonderful interiors, furniture and art objects are a privilege for the elite.

Omegna

At the northern source of Lake Orta there is cozy town Omegna. The silence and pastoral of its streets are replaced once a year by a riot of colors and the roar of fireworks. The celebration of St. Vitus Day in August attracts hundreds of tourists to Omegna. A parade of colored lanterns floats across the water surface, accompanied by theatrical performances and cheerful music - a spectacle that truly defies description.

Isola di San Giulio (Italian: Isola di San Giulio)

The small stronghold is the embodiment of long-lasting memory of the deeds of St. Julius. The main attraction is the Basilica of San Giulio, surrounded by austere and majestic buildings: the palace of the bishops and the monastery building. All buildings created for the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages are now under the protection of the UNESCO Foundation.

Entertainment and relaxation

Warm, incredible clear waters Lago d'Orta promises travelers great holiday. Near the cities, the coast is equipped with comfortable sun loungers and umbrellas; you can devote time to swimming and sunbathing.

Is it possible to swim in Lake Orta? Of course yes! You can comfortably swim in the lake from July to August. There are also plenty of rental points: motor boats, jet skis and bicycles, diving equipment.

After spending a lot of energy on the water, tourists will stop by one of the many restaurants. Simple and surprisingly varied cuisine, which Italy is famous for, is just what a hungry vacationer needs. Crispy pizza crust, various seafood recipes, pasta, ravioli, aromatic wines. The Lake d'Orta coast menu is ready to satisfy the appetites of any gourmet.

How to get there

Since the lake is located 50 km from Milan, one of the most popular routes to Orta is by rail. Milanese (Malpensa) is a great starting point. The landing station is Novara, and the destination is Orta-Miasino.

In the suburbs of Milan there is another airport - Orio al Serio. From this place it is worth getting to the central railway station Milan - Milan Stazione Centrale. Travel route Novara - Domodossola.

In addition to the railway connection, you can get to the lake by rented car. You can find the most profitable option using the service.

There is a regular bus service between d'Orta and Maggiore. Departure from Baveno and Stresa three times a day.

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One of the favorite places of Italians, known as “Pearl” of Piedmont, is Lake Orta (Lago d'Orta). The lake is located 40 km from Milan and is one of smallest alpine lakes. Tourism of this picturesque place began to develop relatively recently, however, Lake Orta is beautiful is in no way inferior such famous lakes as lake Maggiore, lake Como.

In the very center of the lake spread out island of San Giulio who makes you fall in love at first sight. Here you will find privacy and harmony, silence and tranquility. The island is decorated with private villas, towers, churches and a monastery, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

How to get to the island of San Giulio:

Upon arrival on the island, you will see stairs leading to the Romanesque basilica, the main attraction of the island.

San Giulio Island small - 275 meters long and 140 meters wide, so the walk will take no more than an hour. Here just one street, encircling the entire island. The street is called “The Path of Silence” and it is interesting because along the way you will see signs with various philosophical inscriptions and aphorisms about silence in different languages ​​of the world.

Here you can taste Italian cuisine in one of the famous restaurants– Ristorante San Giulio(www.ristorantesangiulio.it), from the terrace of which you can enjoy a gorgeous view of the lake.

San Giulio Island is open to visit all year round. IN summer time Music concerts are often held here.
On the shores of Lake Orta rises Holy Mountain – Sacro Monte di Orta, located in natural park with majestic ancient trees. Getting to Sacromonte will not be difficult, just follow the signs, the whole journey will take about 15 minutes.

At the peak of the mountain are located 20 chapels, dedicated to illustrations from the life of St. Francis of Assisi. This chapel is a place of visit for many believers.

Each chapel is escorted frescoes, reflecting the life of St. Francis and statues, made in real proportions.

Climbing to the peak of Sacromonte you can enjoy unforgettable panorama, see the island of San Giulio at a glance.

How to get to Lake Orta:

By car:
Motorway A26 (Genova Voltri / Gravellona TOCE)
Exit Gravellona Toce (direction Omegna – SR 229 km 18)
Exit Borgomanero (direction Borgomanero – SR 229 km 16)
Motorway A8 / A26 (Milano Laghi / Gravellona TOCE)
Exit Arona (direction Borgomanero 12 km)