An Italian island where, according to legend, dragons lived
lies only about 400 meters from the shore of the charming town of Orta San Giulio. It is a small island that can be walked around in just a few minutes, but despite its modest size, it hides a history dating back to the beginnings of Christianity.
According to local legend, for a long time, that’s why no one dared to settle there. Everything was to change at the end of the 4th century, when Saint Giulio from Greece arrived on the lake. The missionary decided to build the hundredth church here in his evangelizing activity.
Legend has it that, having no boat, he crossed the lake on his own. After reaching the island, he defeated all the evil creatures and started building a temple, thanks to which Isola di San Giulio became an important center of Christianity in the region.
There is one more interesting fact related to the story. According to local legends, the victims of the saint’s defeat are still kept in the sacristy of the basilica.
Basilica, monastery and the famous Path of Silence
The most important monument of the island is , which dates back to the Middle Ages. Inside, valuable frescoes, a richly decorated pulpit made of green serpentine marble and numerous bas-reliefs have been preserved, reminding us of the centuries-old history of this place.
Today, the island of San Giulio is inhabited primarily by Although the interior of the monastery is not open to visitors, its building can be admired from the outside – and its monumentality makes quite an impression. The nuns living there cultivate centuries-old traditions, such as baking the famous bread stuffed with raisins and dried fruit.
One of the most characteristic places on the island is A narrow alley leading around the entire island, and the boards with short aphorisms placed along it encourage you to stop, reflect and listen to the surrounding silence.
Walking along this route, you can admire elegant villas and historical buildings that once belonged to canons. Prominent among them are the Palazzo dei Vescovi, located right next to the basilica, and the historic This is where the prestigious events take place every year
The views are no less impressive. From Isola di San Giulio there is a panorama of the shores of Lake Orta and the pastel buildings. At dawn, a delicate fog often floats over the water, giving the landscape an almost fairy-tale character, while in the evening the lake surface reflects the golden light of the setting sun.
How to get to Isola di San Giulio?
A one-day trip to Isola di San Giulio is a great option for people spending time, from where you can reach the area in just over an hour by car.
We will reach the island itself. Boats depart from Piazza Motta, the main square in the center of Orta San Giulio. In the summer season, they leave on average every 15 minutes, so you usually don’t have to wait long for the crossing.
Alone, and a return ticket costs a few euros. Thanks to the short crossing, Isola di San Giulio is an excellent destination even for a trip lasting several hours while staying on Lake Orta.
