Log in
Join travelers community
Your Profile
Logout
Italy's well kept secret
Lago d'Orta
Aurorae2005-09-29 12:24:42
Displayed times (last time: )
Orta lake is a gorgeous little lake, very underrated and little known, probably because most of the people (especially tourists) are focused on major lakes which are just behind the corner - super popular Maggiore and Como lake. However, Orta is a little intact jewel, well hidden and genuine, and if you're into some rustic wilderness and quiet atmosphere, but willing to see some old towns and beautiful beaches, Lago d'Orta is the place for you! It's situated in the region of Piedmont, province of Novara and easily accessible by motorway and good roads around the lake.
Orta San Giulio is a VERY BEAUTIFUL charming old town on the Orta lake, much more beautiful than lots of pompous places on super popular lakes of Garda, Maggiore and Como. it's quite touristy, but not too crowded and very special, with its own particular charm. it's quite small, so it's easy to stroll around and see most of it in a rather short time. It's practically the only bigger town on the lake.
The dome of the Duomo church is beautifully pained with frescoes which are very well kept and maintained! All the church is restaurated and in excellent conditions!
Take a walk in the downtown and explore narrow streets. One of them, continuing on the main street leading from main square, has bridges made of houses, which are very interesting because there are windows on them and when they are open, you can see the sky through the window on the other side!
The streets of Orta San Giulio are very cheerfully coloured in bright colours like pink, red, orange, beige and yellow. Many houses would be decorated with flowers, which adds to the lively ambience.
Sometimes streets can be veeeeeeery tight, hardly enough for one to pass! But the game of lights is lovely! Go inside on of these streets and explore!
Sacro Monte Orta San Giulio is a sacred complex above Orta San Giulio town. There are several temples and a church, in a wonderful greean area full of trees and parks, with great view points.
Isola San Giulio is right across Orta San Giulio town, at the middle of the lake. It' a very old fishermen's town, reachable by boat from the town of Orta San Giulio. in the night it is beautifully lit with golden lights. There is a lovely view from the Sacro Monte complex.
The beach I adore is made of tiny pebbles, almost sandy, with lots of lush green behind if you prefer shadow to hide from the sun, but still want to be beside the water. It's almost deserted, which is a puzzle! It's much more beautiful than anything! But people prefer to be on the concrete platform near the bar, or in the camp if campers. Better for me! :-)
Swans will graciously swim around the lake with very pompous attitude, especially in the dusk, as if they're tha lake patrol. They absolutely don't care of anything else and nothing distracts their attention. Swans on the lake at sunset are stereotype for cheesy romantic scenery, but there it's really beautiful and not sugarsweet at all!
Little ducks are so funny, when you throw stones they rush to you thinking you're throwing food! This way you can lure them to come close to you. They're very cute and friendly and not afraid.
Nordista, 2006-05-23 18:07:46
See photographs from:
Italy Gallery
Aurorae, 2006-06-09 19:58:05