Piemonte: Orta San Giulio

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This is simply one of the most charming towns I’ve visited and the lake is too…..L’ago d’Orta is smaller than the other lakes in the district (Como, Maggiore, Lugano, Garda), so it’s less visited, less cluttered with tourism and you get a small island in the middle of the lake(bonus)…..Orta San Giulia is a gem! The town sits at the edge of the lake at the end of a peninsula in the foothills of the Alps. The town is characterized by its palazzi with their wrought iron balconies, stone cottages with slate roofs and cobblestone streets and alleyways. The Palazzotto/Palazzo della Comunita (town hall – 16^th century) is located in the Piazza Principale (main square) and has some interesting frescoes. There’s also the 15^th century Santa Maria Assunta with paintings and frescoes on the inside (quite beautiful – ornate). The arcaded Piazza Principale also has cafes for relaxing and watching the lake and people. You have to take a boat out to the Isola San Giulio (well preserved as the island was virtually abandoned during the Renaissance). The town is sweet. The Basilica San Giulio (4^th century) has a black marble pulpit, frescoes and the crypt of Saint Julius/San Giulio (credited with ridding the island of snakes, serpents and monsters). Just above town is Sacro Monte d’Orta (climb or drive) where there are 20 chapels with terracotta scenes depicting the life of St. Francis.