Lake Orta, 13km long, is the westernmost
Italian Lake. On a more human scale than its vast neighbour Lake Maggiore,
it is also less commercialised and has an exceptional dose of charm.
Lake Orta is 100 miles from
Casa della Fontana (2 hours by autostrada,
leave at the Borgomanero exit). We broke our journey in this pleasant town,
taking coffee and croissants in the cafe in the Piazza XX Settembre (turn
left immediately after the fountain, small parking charge). The Piazza is
not picturesque but very Italian; preparations were in full swing for its
festa, commencing later that day. Next to the cafe is an excellent
DVD/music store, where we 'topped up' our collection (Italian DVD's have an
English language option).
Suitably refreshed, we arrived very
shortly after at our lakeside destination of Orta San Guilio. There is no
general vehicular access to the village centre. If you follow the signs to
the centro, car parking is provided. These are priced commercially
(September 2006 - 8 euros full day). Do not however stop in the first car
park, as (once you have entered it) you will see it is reserved exclusively
for motorhomes.
In high season, all car parks can fill
early in the day.
If, during your visit, you wish to see
the principal religious sites, please note that:-
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access is not permitted for
gentlemen wearing shorts
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access is not permitted for ladies
dressed 'succinctly'
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photography is not permitted,
whatever you are wearing
Orta San Guilio
It is a short downhill stroll to the
village from the car park. If you follow the main path, you will pass the
Tourist Information Office which is situated in the Town Hall. Here there is
also a delightful garden leading down to the lakeside. The main piazza is
further on.
A path from the village leads up to the Sacro
Monte, a religious establishment dedicated to St Francis of Assisi. Apart
from the principal church, there are 21 chapels laid out in the grounds,
decorated with frescoes and statuary dedicated to the Saint's life.
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Path into village |
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As you stroll down from the car park, the monastic island of Isola San Guilio comes into view over the ancient roof-tops |
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Liquid gold |
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An innovative display of Piemontese wine. There are many shops selling local wines, mushrooms, salami and all types of produce. |
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Main square |
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This pleasing open space has the usual eclectic collection of Italian secular architecture, a lakeside terrace and many cafes and restaurants |
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Painted House |
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Built in 1592. There is an art gallery at the top of the stairs |
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The way up |
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These steps lead away from the lake and up to the village church |
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Village church |
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At the top of the steps |
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Lake ferry |
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The lake ferry service visits the principal lakeside communities |
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Wedding |
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Our visit co-incided with a wedding ceremony at the Town Hall and reception in a lakeside hotel. The wedding car is on just the right scale to negotiate the village streets. |
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Isola San Guilio
A regular 'taxi' service is provided by a
flotilla of small motor boats from the harbour at San Guilio to the island.
The return trip costs 3.5 euros and they operate a regular service - you do
not have to return on the boat that took you over.
'Taxi' tickets are not valid for the
lakeside ferry service.
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Ferry landing |
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View from the island back to the village |
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Island approach |
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The island is dominated by the Benedictine monastery |
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Circular path |
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The path around the island is a pleasant stroll... |
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Gateway |
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...where you will pass the gateways and doorways of the island buildings (no access) |
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Shop |
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There is a small shop behind this pleasing display of plants |
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Journey's end |
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The crossing back to the village takes about 5 minutes |
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Two of the monastic brethren are relieved from their vow of
silence to guide vistors around the monastery, whose attractions include a
12th century pulpit. If you wish to see the monastery, please check opening
times beforehand and note the dress code mentioned above.
E mail:
kerrie@anitalianadventure.co.uk
0039 0141 851 154
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