Orta San Giulio

Orta San Giulio sits on the eastern shore of Lake Orta and follows the slope with winding lanes between tall stone houses. The central square opens directly onto the water and faces the small island of San Giulio just offshore.

The commune developed from medieval times as a religious center around the island of San Giulio and the Sacro Monte above the town. The construction of the town hall in the 16th century marked the growing political importance of this lakeside settlement.

The Sacro Monte religious complex contains 21 chapels with 370 polychrome statues and 900 frescoes depicting the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Boats to the island of San Giulio depart regularly from Piazza Motta and make short crossings across the lake. The climb to the Sacro Monte begins at the upper edge of the town and follows paved paths through a wooded slope.

Villa Crespi at the edge of town displays Moorish architecture with a three-story tower and now houses a restaurant run by chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo. The building was constructed in the 19th century following the model of oriental palaces.

Location: Province of Novara

Capital city: Orta San Giulio

Elevation above the sea: 294 m

Shares border with: Bolzano Novarese, Miasino, Pettenasco, Ameno, Gozzano, Pella, San Maurizio d'Opaglio

Address: Ufficio Turistico, Via Panoramica, 1, 28016 Orta San Giulio NO

Website: https://comune.ortasangiulio.no.it

GPS coordinates: 45.80000,8.40000

Latest update: December 5, 2025 16:37