Places
Lake·Easy·Relaxing·Popular
Lago d'Orta — Isola di San Giulio
Piedmont
Lago d'Orta is the smallest of the major pre-Alpine lakes — also the least visited and perhaps the most beautiful. The Isola di San Giulio in the middle has a 4th-century basilica (rebuilt 12th century) — the island is entirely owned by a silent Benedictine order of nuns. Friedrich Nietzsche stayed at Orta in 1882 and the lake provoked his breakdown. The town of Orta San Giulio is entirely medieval.
Duration
2 hours
Distance
4 km
Elevation
+20 m
Best season
April – October
Highlights
- Nietzsche's breakdown in 1882 — inspired by this lake
- Benedictine nuns own the entire island — silence requested
- Most beautiful and least-visited pre-Alpine lake
With your dog
Lake path and boat; dogs welcome on ferry.
