Visiting Lake Orta
Lake Orta, or Cusio in Italian, is one of the bodies of water in the northern lake district of Italy, located in the Piedmont region. Lake Orta is separated from the well-known Lake Maggiore by Mount Mottarone, which you can reach via a cable car departing from the town of Stresa. The view of the seven lakes tucked between the mountains is impressive. It is difficult to visualize the last glacial period that occurred more than 20,000 years ago while looking at the landscape today.
A romantic lake in Italy
Lake Orta is surrounded by beautiful medieval villages, such as Orta San Giulio. With its central square lined with bars, restaurants, and gelato shops, the Piazza Mario Motta, its small yellow-toned church, and its narrow alleys, Orta San Giulio is a compact treasure on the lakeshore.
Facing the village stands Isola San Giulio, the island of Lake Orta. According to legend, it was inhabited by monstrous dragons and snakes before the region was evangelized by two Greek brothers and the 100th church was built on the site of the current basilique San Giulio (Basilica of Saint Julius). Ferries make regular trips to the island from Orta San Giulio. You can also cross the lake to the western shore at Pella. From there, head out to explore the sanctuaire Madonna del Sasso (Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rock), a striking building positioned on a cliff overlooking the lake.
Ascending to the Sacro Monte
The other visit to include at Lake Orta is the pilgrimage site of Sacro Monte, a place designated as a World Heritage site by Unesco since 2003. The route consists of twenty-one chapels built starting in 1583 by the local population. Each chapel represents a period in the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.