Lake Orta

10-11 September

I can hear music

When we left Camping Parisi the site was still fairly full, and there was now a small campervan partially blocking our exit. Fortunately our Dutch neighbours were very accommodating and wound in their awning so that we negotiated our exit through the narrow gap between them, the campervan and the tree, whilst being watched by more spectators than we would have liked.

I was determined we should see one more of the Italian Lakes, so a 40 minute journey took us to Lake Orta.

The town of Orta San Giulio lies on a peninsula, two thirds of the way along the lake. It is a good twenty minute uphill walk from Camping Orta, but definitely worth the effort. A typical Italian old town with narrow streets, town square (Piazza Motta), church, restaurants, gelateria and small shops selling pasta, oils and other delicacies.

Piazza Motta

Church of Santa Maria Assunta

Having fortified ourselves with a delicious ice-cream (so many flavours to choose from!) we left the town on the eastern side and walked part of the lovely lakeside path.

Not to be missed is the Sacre Monte of Orta San Giulio, which became a world heritage site in 2003. It is situated in a beautiful, wooded area and comprises 20 chapels, which were built between 1591 and 1795.

One of the chapels

Each chapel contains beautiful frescoes and life-size statues, depicting the life of St Francis of Assisi.

Canonisation of St Francis

An added air of solemnity was provided by the bells ringing for a service at the Church of St Nicolao and once we got closer to the church, we could hear the beautiful singing coming from within.