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Isola San Giulio

St Giulio's Isle

the only island on Lake Orta, Piedmont, north Italy

Island seen from south

Sunset

Arrival

landing stages

Island seen from south

1/5

Only for this week can you buy the Pani di San Giulio, sweet cakes made by the nuns

WHERE

Lake Orta, a glacial lake in the Alpine foothills of north Italy is a thousand feet above sea-level, encircled by mountains and high hills rich in chestnuts, birch and, thanks to its micro-climate, tall palms. Opposite the island is the charming town Orta San Giulio

PRESENT

On the island is the great Benedectine monastery of enclosed nuns founded in 1973, where the ancient castle was until the 19th century, the delightful concert hall Sala Eleonora Tallone, and the seat of Poetry on the Lake.

www.poetryonthelake.org

PAST

In two thousand years the isle has hosted emperors, queens and saints, has experienced tumult, seige and plague. Long before Christianity arrived, pagans worshipped here

LEGEND

This antique island has a strange history. There are legends of dragons, a dragon's cave exists, stories of saints - one above all: St Giulio. It has inspired literary figures and artists, it is loved by poets, mystics and magicians.