The guided tour of Orta San Giulio starts from the 15th century church of Santa Maria Assunta; from here starts a wide downhill road entirely paved with stones called “Motta” with around some of the most beautiful palaces in Orta, such as Palazzo Gemelli with splendid paintings on the facade and neoclassical style buildings.
We then arrive in Piazza Motta, a real living room overlooking the lake, from which boats depart for the island of San Giulio and where you can admire the 16th century broletto or Palazzo della Comunità della Riviera di San Giulio with the bell tower. . You will discover the various streets of the village full of shops and gastronomic shops of handicraft products and typical local dishes up to Villa Bossi, where you can access a delightful garden overlooking the lake, a must for a magnificent panoramic view.
The tour continues with the discovery of the only island on Lake Orta, the Island of San Giulio which can be reached by boat and is immediately greeted by the huge Basilica of San Giulio. Legend says that the island was originally populated by snakes and monstrous creatures until the advent of San Giulio in 390 who, having crossed the lake, pushed them away and founded the church that now houses his remains. The Basilica is a real jewel full of frescoes, paintings and a very rare ambo carved in green marble. From the basilica starts a small road, the Via del Silenzio, which passes in front of the ancient villas, wells, small streets that descend towards the lake and the Mater Ecclesiae Abbey. The visit ends with the view of the lake before resuming the boat and returning to the lakeside of Orta.