Pella. Isola San Giulio

Though the Italian Lago d’Orta is smaller than its large neighbor, Lago Maggiore, it is no less popular with tourists. We are on the western shore of the lake, in the community of Pella. From the promenade of the resort, you can enjoy an excellent view of the mountains of La Guardia, Tessera, Cassinaro, and other peaks between Lago d’Orta and Lago Maggiore.

On the opposite bank, you can see the historical center of Orta San Giulio, and a little to the right is the famous island of San Giulio. Fans of history and delicious fish dishes are eager to visit it. On the island, you will find an ancient basilica and restaurants that cook dishes of fish caught in Lago d’Orta.

The church on a small stretch of land appeared many centuries ago (during archaeological excavations in the basilica, traces of an ancient church, built in the 5th˗6th century were found). During the excursion around the island, you can feel the connection of times because the buildings of the basilica were built over several centuries. One of the main buildings on the island is the high Romanesque bell tower. In clear weather, the bell tower is clearly visible, on the right side of the island.

The interior of the basilica is the island pride. Luxurious paintings on the walls and roof, figured arches and columns, an ancient pipe organ, restored in 2011 -these, and other attractions of the basilica, you can see, when you come to the island from the ports of Pella, Orta San Giulio, Alzo, or Lagna.