Cusio

<< Piedmont

Cusio is the region surrounding Lake Orta, divided between the provinces of Novara and Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. Known for its natural beauty, this region includes many gorgeous towns along the shores of the lake and among the hills and mountains. The most notable attraction here is the small San Giulio Island, located in the middle of Lake Orta.

Orta San Giulio

Orta San Giulio is a small town located on the shores of Lake Orta in the Province of Novara. A flourishing village and for centuries the main center in the area, Orta San Giulio is now a tourist destination thanks to its position and beautiful environment.

✪ San Giulio Island

San Giulio Island is a small island located in the middle of Lake Orta, near Orta San Giulio. This picturesque island is one of the most iconic sights in Piedmont and a popular tourist attraction. A church was built on this island in the Early Middle Ages, and it was later replaced by the current Basilica of San Giulio in the 12th century. This Romanesque basilica hosts various artworks including a medieval ambon, a series of ancient frescoes, and numerous Baroque decorations. The Mater Ecclesiae Abbey (Abbazia Mater Ecclesiae) dominates most of the island. Founded in 1973 and hosted in a few historic buildings, it is currently inhabited by nuns.

Orta San Giulio Promenade

The lakeside promenade of Orta San Giulio offers a great view over Lake Orta and its beautiful natural environment. Various attractions and historical buildings adorn the road, which is centered around Piazza Motta, the main square of Orta San Giulio. This plaza hosts the Palazzotto, or Palazzo della Comunità, a 16th-century palace that once hosted the local government.

Sacro Monte di Orta

The Sacro Monte di Orta is one of the Sacri Monti, a series of historic religious sites located in Piedmont and Lombardy. The complex occupies a hill overlooking Lake Orta and it was erected between the 16th and 18th century. The site includes many richly decorated chapels with statues and frescoes depicting the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. Along with the other Sacri Monti, the Sacro Monte di Orta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Omegna

Omegna is a town located at the northern end of Lake Orta in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. The town emerged during the Late Middle Ages and, since the 19th century, it has been a flourishing industrial center, but also a tourist destination.

Church of Sant’Ambrogio

The Church of Sant’Ambrogio is the main religious site in Omegna, located in the center of the town. Originally built during the 10th century and later reworked, it features a tall 13th-century bell tower. Its interiors are adorned with various Baroque decorations and host a few artworks.

Madonna del Sasso

Madonna del Sasso is a municipality in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, formed by a few small villages near Lake Orta. It takes its name from a historic sanctuary.

Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso

The Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso (Santuario di Madonna del Sasso) is a historic religious site located on top of a rocky spur with a spectacular view over Lake Orta and the surrounding mountains. The church was built during the 18th century and it features Baroque decorations.