Orta San Giulio
Orta San Giulio: the most beautiful village in Italy
If you're looking for a charming place that can give you unique emotions, you absolutely must visit Orta San Giulio. This Piedmontese commune, awarded the Orange Flag by the Touring Club Italiano and included among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, is located halfway along the eastern shore of Lake Orta, 45 kilometers from Novara.
Physical geography
The main nucleus of the inhabited area overlooks the lake facing the island of San Giulio, while the fraction of Legro is located halfway up the hill behind. A few kilometers away is also the fraction of Imolo, overlooking the lake and characterized by a few houses along the State Road 229 of Lake Orta towards Gozzano. Instead, Corconio is hidden from the road, on a terrace about fifty meters above the lake level.
History
The historic center of Orta San Giulio was an autonomous consortium of municipalities, the Riviera di San Giulio, from the Middle Ages until the mid-eighteenth century. Over the centuries, Orta developed thanks to the local craftsmanship of wrought iron and the construction of the Sacro Monte, which has been recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town suffered only one plundering, in 1524, by the Sforza.
Symbols
The coat of arms of the municipality bears the inscription ''Hortus Conclusus'' (enclosed garden), from which the name ''Orta'' derives.
Monuments and places of interest
The historic center of Orta San Giulio, completely pedestrianized, is characterized by narrow alleyways. In Piazza Motta, directly overlooking the lake, boats depart for the island of San Giulio. The square is surrounded on three sides by buildings, among which the Broletto or Palazzo della Comunità stands out, built in 1582 and used for legislative and executive power.
Among the other monuments and places of interest in Orta San Giulio, there are the church of Santa Maria Assunta, the bell tower of the Church of the Maddalena, the Sacro Monte di Orta and the villa Tallone, built in 1897 and surrounded by a lush garden.
Traditions
One of the most representative traditions of Orta San Giulio is the feast of San Giulio, the patron saint of the town, which is celebrated on January 31st and July 27th. During the feast, religious processions, opera performances and fireworks displays take place.
Furthermore, every Saturday morning, on the lakeside of Orta San Giulio, there is a market of local typical and artisanal products, such as cheese, wine, honey and ceramics.
Cuisine
The cuisine of Orta San Giulio is characterized by local products, including rice, snails, lake fish and cherries. Among the typical dishes, there are the seafood risotto, the pumpkin lasagna and the marinated fish.
Furthermore, the local pastry offers delicious specialties such as amaretti biscuits and the San Giulio sweet, made with cream and licorice candies.
Experiences to be had
Orta San Giulio is a perfect place for those looking for relaxation and tranquility, but also for those who love outdoor activities. Here you can take walks along the lake shores and surrounding hills, discover the small villages in the area and practice sports such as rowing, sailing, fishing and cycling.
Furthermore, the presence of the Sacro Monte di Orta offers the opportunity to take interesting nature walks to discover frescoes and sacred monuments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Orta San Giulio is an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing and cultural experience in the heart of Piedmont. The beauty of its landscapes, its monuments and its traditions will make your visit unforgettable.
