What to see on Lake Orta in one day

Article by Fulvio Julita

There’s a path on the Isola di San Giulio that can be walked in two directions: one way it’s called the Path of Silence, the other the Path of Meditation. Those two names alone say what Lake Orta asks of anyone who visits it: not an itinerary to follow by the clock, but a day meant to breathe.
For our guests at Villa Selva looking for a more intimate, romantic experience, we recommend this small lake, gathered around a single island. Our suggested route starts at Villa Selva, reaches Gozzano, follows the eastern shore north to Omegna, then returns south along the western shore. It is a complete circuit, with time to pause wherever one wishes.

Gozzano: a first encounter with the lake

From Villa Selva, the route reaches Gozzano at the southern end of Lake Orta. Here lies Lido di Gozzano, the beach we recommend to guests who would like to spend a few hours by the water.
It can be the destination for a relaxing day by the lake or a stop to consider during the circuit. From Gozzano, the route continues along the eastern shore towards Orta San Giulio.

Orta San Giulio: the village and its peninsula

Orta San Giulio occupies a small peninsula stretching towards the island. After parking outside the centre, a walk leads down to Piazza Motta, with its arcades, cafés and first view of the water.
The lanes reveal Baroque palaces, wrought-iron balconies and the curious Casa dei Nani, named for the tiny windows on its upper floor. It is a place to slow down and let the village suggest where to wander.

The island of San Giulio

Boats leave Piazza Motta for the island. The crossing takes only a few minutes, but it is enough to change the atmosphere. The path around the island is called the Path of Silence in one direction and the Path of Meditation in the other.
The Basilica di San Giulio, of Romanesque origin, holds the saint’s remains; beside it stands a cloistered Benedictine abbey. To continue the itinerary, a boat returns to Orta.

The Sacro Monte: twenty chapels in the woods

Before leaving Orta, a walk leads up to the Sacro Monte. The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the other Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy, and has twenty frescoed chapels dedicated to the life of St Francis of Assisi.
Between the chapels there are views over the lake and island. It is a stop for those who enjoy walking and seeing Orta from above.

Omegna, Rodari’s hometown

From Orta, the route follows the eastern shore north to Omegna. The town sits at the northern end of the lake, where our route begins its journey south again.
Gianni Rodari, the Italian children’s writer who received the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1970, was born here. The Parco della Fantasia and the Museo Rodari are dedicated to him.
Omegna is also where the Nigoglia flows out of the lake and northwards. The local saying «La Nigoeuja la va in su; e la legg la fèm nu» recalls this unusual course: the Nigoglia flows uphill, and we make our own laws. Rodari set his story C’era due volte il barone Lamberto on the island of San Giulio.

The Madonna del Sasso viewpoint

From Omegna, the route follows the western side of the lake. The road heads south, and a detour leads to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso, above Boleto.
Known as “the balcony of the Cusio”, the square in front of the church overlooks the lake and, on clear days, the Alps. From here the island, the Orta peninsula and part of the route are visible.

Pella, on the opposite shore

Heading down towards the water, the route reaches Pella. Its little harbour, lakeside houses and view of the island offer a different perspective from Orta, now on the opposite shore.
From Pella, the route continues towards the southern end of the lake and Gozzano. The circuit closes here, before the return to Villa Selva.

The itinerary at a glance

8:30 departure from Villa Selva

9:15 Orta San Giulio

10:30 Island of San Giulio

13:30 Sacro Monte

15:00 Omegna

16:45 Madonna del Sasso

17:45 Pella

18:15 return journey

Read also…