Basilica di San Giulio Lake Orta
A romantic medieval village on Lake Orta, featuring a mystical island with an ancient basilica and a path of silence.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Basilica di San Giulio Lake Orta
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A romantic medieval village on Lake Orta, featuring a mystical island with an ancient basilica and a path of silence.
"A very serene island with a rich history, beautiful church and awesome scenery."
🚢 Boat to the Island
Ferries to Isola San Giulio cost around €5 round trip. Enjoy the scenic ride from Piazza Motta! :ferry:
🚶♀️ Walk of Silence
Embrace tranquility on the island's meditative path, marked with inspirational quotes. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Basilica di San Giulio
Isola San Giulio
Discover medieval frescoes and relics in this ancient Romanesque basilica, a truly spiritual and historical gem.
Isola San Giulio
Lake Orta
A mystical island with a Benedictine monastery, offering a 'Way of Silence' path for peaceful contemplation.
Orta San Giulio Village
Piedmont shore of Lake Orta
Wander through charming medieval alleys and historic buildings in one of Italy's most romantic villages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Orta San Giulio
Island Access & Island Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Boat to the Island
Ferries to Isola San Giulio cost around €5 round trip. Enjoy the scenic ride from Piazza Motta!
🚶♀️ Walk of Silence
Embrace tranquility on the island's meditative path, marked with inspirational quotes. :walking:
🚗 Parking Advice
Paid parking is close by; free options are further out. Look near 'Villa Crespi'. :car:
📸 Capture the Romance
The village and island offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Boat to the Island
Ferries to Isola San Giulio cost around €5 round trip. Enjoy the scenic ride from Piazza Motta!
🚶♀️ Walk of Silence
Embrace tranquility on the island's meditative path, marked with inspirational quotes. :walking:
🚗 Parking Advice
Paid parking is close by; free options are further out. Look near 'Villa Crespi'. :car:
📸 Capture the Romance
The village and island offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the serene beauty and romantic atmosphere of Orta San Giulio and Isola San Giulio. The Basilica di San Giulio is highlighted for its historical significance and beautiful frescoes. The 'Way of Silence' offers a unique contemplative experience. Some visitors note that parking can be challenging and the island can get busy during peak times.
"Tiny island on lake Orta, notable for the so called walk of silence. A footpath that runs around the island used as a meditavid method to chill out. Various signs quoting the benefits of silence are spread around the walk. Only takes a few minute's to complete."
Ian Fenn
"Relics of San Guilio in the crypt.
Vivid medieval frescos. Absolutely worth seeing."
Piotr Przestrzelski
"Fantastic smaller original condition romanesque Basilica with many frescoes. Highly recommended."
mike obrien
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Orta San Giulio is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Milan. You can also reach it by train, often involving a change at Novara.
There are paid parking lots close to the village center, and free parking areas are available a bit further away. Searching for 'Villa Crespi' on your GPS can help locate some free spots.
Yes, Isola San Giulio is easily accessible via a short and affordable boat ride from Piazza Motta in Orta San Giulio.
Absolutely! Lake Orta and Orta San Giulio are popular day trip destinations from Milan, taking about an hour to reach.
Walking is ideal for exploring Orta San Giulio village and Isola San Giulio. Ferries connect the mainland to the island and other points around the lake.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Basilica di San Giulio is generally free, though donations are appreciated. Access to the island itself is via ferry.
The Basilica is typically open daily, but hours can vary. It's best to check locally or look for signs upon arrival, especially outside peak season.
The ferry ride to Isola San Giulio from Orta San Giulio typically costs around €5 for a round trip.
Orta San Giulio village itself is a public area and does not have an entrance fee. You will only pay for parking and the ferry.
The Sacro Monte di Orta is a UNESCO World Heritage site and generally accessible without an entrance fee for its paths and chapels.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The 'Way of Silence' is a meditative path circling the island, featuring signs with inspirational quotes about silence and introspection.
Inside, you'll find vivid medieval frescoes, the relics of Saint Julius in the crypt, and a well-preserved Romanesque structure.
Yes, the island is very walkable, with a main path circling it and smaller lanes to explore. The 'Way of Silence' is a gentle walk.
Orta San Giulio is known for its romantic, peaceful, and timeless atmosphere, with charming medieval architecture and beautiful lake views.
While known for romance, families can enjoy boat rides, exploring the village, and the natural beauty of the lake. Swimming is possible in summer outside the main town.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the narrow, cobblestone streets, the picturesque Piazza Motta, and the views of Isola San Giulio from the mainland. The island itself offers stunning perspectives.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides beautiful light and fewer crowds, enhancing the romantic ambiance for photography.
Photography rules inside religious sites can vary. It's advisable to be respectful and check for any posted restrictions before taking photos inside the Basilica.
Romantic landscapes, architectural details of the medieval village, and serene island scenes are popular subjects for photographers.
Drone regulations can be strict in Italy, especially near historical sites and residential areas. It's essential to check local drone laws before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once on the island, the 'Way of Silence' path, with its simple signs, can be a fun way to engage kids in a quiet exploration. The village's pedestrianized streets mean kids can wander safely, and the picturesque setting provides plenty of visual interest. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as options might be limited on the island. 💖 Couples & Romantics
+1 A boat trip to Isola San Giulio, followed by a stroll along the 'Way of Silence' and a visit to the Basilica, creates a truly memorable experience. Enjoying an aperitivo with a view or dining at a lakeside restaurant adds to the romantic allure. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Isola San Giulio: A Spiritual Journey
The island is renowned for its 'Way of Silence,' a contemplative path that encircles the island. Along this path, visitors encounter small signs inscribed with inspirational words and quotes about the benefits of silence and introspection, encouraging a peaceful and mindful experience. The Basilica di San Giulio itself is a treasure trove of history and art. It features a remarkably preserved Romanesque structure adorned with vivid medieval frescoes that tell stories from biblical and local legends.
Reaching the island is a simple affair via a short boat ride from Piazza Motta in Orta San Giulio. The journey across the tranquil waters of Lake Orta offers beautiful views of both the island and the charming mainland village.
The entire experience on Isola San Giulio, from the boat trip to walking the 'Way of Silence' and exploring the Basilica, is designed to be a peaceful retreat, offering a moment of calm away from the bustle of everyday life. Orta San Giulio: A Romantic Lakeside Village
+1 Piazza Motta serves as the heart of the village, offering stunning views of Isola San Giulio and acting as the main departure point for boat trips. The village's architecture evokes a sense of stepping back in time, with its medieval character preserved beautifully.
+1 You'll find picturesque buildings, quaint shops, and inviting cafes that contribute to its enchanting ambiance. The presence of Villa Crespi, a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant housed in a stunning Moorish-style villa, adds a touch of luxury and culinary excellence to the area. Lake Orta itself is often described as a hidden gem, offering a more tranquil and less crowded experience compared to some of its more famous Italian counterparts.
The combination of the romantic village, the serene lake, and the mystical island creates a perfect setting for couples, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape. 
Social
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