Best things to do in Orta San Giulio

Lake Orta is dotted with romantic buildings that are reflected in the water. The lake's cool, clean waters are likely what's left of a retreating glacier. Walk along the lake's shores and find activities both on and off the water. Travel to the southern or northern end of the lake by train. You can stay in hotels in either area.

The isolated beauty of San Giulio Island made the island an attractive spot for monastic orders to build their sanctuary. The centerpiece, a 12th-century basilica, stands as an icon to the mainland village and is open to the public. Next to the basilica, a 19th-century seminary functions as a Benedictine monastery. Parts of this building are closed to the public. Archaeological findings on the island date back to the fifth century, when a small chapel was erected to honor evangelizer Saint Julius. This notable saint spent his last days on the island, but he wasn't the only known figure associated with it. William of Volpiano, or St. William of Dijon, was born here.

Sitting on a hill facing Lake Orta, Sacro Monte di Orta is a Roman Catholic religious structure with chapels dating from the 16th century. Many of the sites tell the story of St. Francis, and you will find handfuls of paintings and statues. Experience all of this while walking through an ancient, peaceful park surrounded by trees. Signs point the way from chapel to chapel, so it’s easy to navigate, but the hill is a steep hike. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Safari Park provides a zoo, amusement park, and safari experience. Drive through the safari area in your car or hop on board the small train. Spot lions, rhinos, hippos, zebras, monkeys, pelicans, and more. In the zoo area, visit the farm, aquarium, and reptile house. Try to catch one of the animal shows, such as the birds of prey performance, which are announced on the loudspeaker. In the amusement area, enjoy rides, go-karts, and a video game arcade. There are several food outlets as well as ample picnic areas. If you’d like to snap some photos of the safari animals, it is best to drive your own car as the train will not stop for photo opportunities.

Perched high above the clouds in the Italian alps, the 17th-century Sacro Monte Unesco di Varese is a sacred mountain. Its 14 hillside chapels each are dedicated to a mystery of the rosary. They lead up to the shrine of Santa Maria del Monte at the top. The chapels are filled with17th-century frescoes, paintings, and sculpture. For centuries, pilgrims have hiked among the beech and chestnut trees of Monte Velate to visit the chapels. Today, you can either walk or catch the bus and tram up the mountain.