Lake Orta

Lake Orta can be reached in about half an hour from Stresa and is much smaller than Lake Maggiore. It is a men-size lake and also for this reason it is very appreciated. The lake is surrounded by mountains and a luxuriant vegetation. Especially in the southern part there are several villas, the parks of which have secular trees. Almost in the middle of the lake lies the only island, the history of which dates back to the 4th century. Only five minutes far from Orta, it is worth visiting because of its old basilica, rebuilt in the 11th century. Inside you can admire Renaissance and Baroque frescos as well as a serpentine pulpit (built in 1100). In the crypt are kept the mortal remains of Saint Julius, the evangeliser of this region, who died on the island in 400. Walking along the only lane of the island you go around the Benedictine cloister and pass behind the villas, the fronts of which you can admire from the lake.

Lake Orta

Lake Orta can be reached in about half an hour from Stresa and is much smaller than Lake Maggiore. It is a men-size lake and also for this reason it is very appreciated. The lake is surrounded by mountains and a luxuriant vegetation. Especially in the southern part there are several villas, the parks of which have secular trees.
Almost in the middle of the lake lies the only island, the history of which dates back to the 4th century.
Only five minutes far from Orta, it is worth visiting because of its old basilica, rebuilt in the 11th century. Inside you can admire Renaissance and Baroque frescos as well as a serpentine pulpit (built in 1100). In the crypt are kept the mortal remains of Saint Julius, the evangeliser of this region, who died on the island in 400.
Walking along the only lane of the island you go around the Benedictine cloister and pass behind the villas, the fronts of which you can admire from the lake.

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