Orta and the island of Orta San Giulio: The hidden gem on Lake Orta in Piedmont, northern Italy.
- dominik kobler
- May 20
- 3 min read
When people think of the lakes of northern Italy, Lake Como or Lake Garda often spring to mind. But tucked away in the green heart of Piedmont, near the Swiss canton of Ticino, lies a gem that exudes its own unique, tranquil magic: Orta San Giulio.
In this article, I’ll take you to what is arguably Italy’s most romantic village and to the mystical “Island of Silence.”
A stroll through the centuries in the town of Orta
The small town of Orta is an architectural masterpiece. Unlike many other towns on the Great Lakes, the center of Orta is car-free, which lends the village an almost surreal tranquility. As you stroll through the narrow streets, the magnificent facades of the old houses catch your eye. Many date back to the Renaissance and Baroque periods, recognizable by their delicate wrought-iron balconies and heavy wooden doors, which often open onto magnificent, green courtyards. Away from the piazza, a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets winds through the town. Admire the pastel-colored facades, wrought-iron balconies, and hidden courtyards. Especially in spring, when the wisteria is in bloom, Orta offers a picture-perfect backdrop straight out of a movie.
Piazza Motta (Orta)
The main square is Piazza Motta. There’s always something going on here, well into the night. Many cafés and restaurants are clustered on the sun terrace, offering a wonderful view of the lake and the island of Orta San Giulio. My favorite restaurant here was “Ai Due Santi.” You’ll also find the boat landing here, where you can catch a boat to the island. There are small private boats here that will take you to the island and back for 5 euros. There’s also a larger ship that circles the entire lake, but it doesn’t run as regularly. If you just want to make a quick trip to Isola Orta San Giulio, I think the small boats are worth it for their flexibility.
Isola San Giulio: The Island of Silence
Just a few minutes by boat from Piazza Motta lies Isola San Giulio. Even as you approach, the island, with its imposing basilica, looks like a mirage floating above the water.
The Legend of San Giulio
Legend has it that the island was once inhabited by snakes and dragons. In the 4th century, Saint Julius (San Giulio) arrived at the lake. Since no fishermen would help him, he spread his cloak out on the water, used it as a raft, and drove away the monsters so he could build his 100th church.
The Path of Silence (Via del Silenzio)
Today, the island is home to a Benedictine convent. The highlight for visitors is the walking trail that circles the island. It is lined with signs that encourage mindfulness and meditation. In one direction, you’ll read words of wisdom about silence; in the opposite direction, about the spoken word. It is a place where the hustle and bustle of the modern world instantly fades away. Since the island is relatively small, the walk can easily be completed in about 10 to 15 minutes; if you also visit the convent, a 30- to 60-minute stay on the island is often sufficient. There is also a small kiosk on the island, as well as a restaurant, though the latter was still closed in early April.
Travel tips for your visit to Lake Orta in northern Italy's Piedmont region
Best time to visit: In my opinion, spring (April/May) seems to be the ideal time to enjoy the beautiful blossoms and the mild climate here.
Getting there: There is a train station nearby; from there, it’s about a 15- to 20-minute walk to Orta. If you’re arriving by car, there’s a large parking lot above the village; from there, it’s about a 5- to 10-minute walk down to the town.
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