The village of Orta lies on the western hill slope of a small peninsula – on the same promontory stand the chapels of Sacro Monte – facing the megnificent and peaceful island of San Giulio.
Orta is renowned tourist center and a summer resort.
Like other tourist destinations located on the shores of the lake, the town hosts interesting events and festivals, including ‘Ortofiori’ ( a flower exhibition arranged around Salita della Motta ),the Festival of Ancient Music on the island of San Giulio, and ‘Orta Opera Festival’ held since 2000.
Orta San Giulio takes its name after San Jules, who was sent in the 4th century by the emperor Theodosious to evangelise the area and to fight against the Arian heresy.
Later Orta became Longobard and then Frank centre. Around 962 Orta was assigned to the bishops of Novara by the emperor Otto I, who after a long siege conquered the land belonged to Berengario II. But the bishops had to wait long time to assert their jurisdiction on the territory. Only in 1219, after a long period of hostilities with local families the bishhops finally secured the power, which would last till 1817, when their posessions passed by to the kingdom of Sardinia.
On the hill overlooking the town stretches the 16th century complex of St.Francis order, Sacro Monte di San Francesco, that in 2003 enrolled UNESCO World Heritage List.
Among the other interesting sites in the town worth mention are Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta from the 15th century with 18th century additions standing atop Salita della Motta, and Late Renaissance Palazzo Gemelli preserving on a facade mythological fresco decoration.
The oldest house of Orta is 14th century Casa dei Nani ( House of Dwarfs) named after its four very small windows. It also features the frescoes this time representing the story from life of St.Mary. The Arabic inspiration is visible ib th outlook of Villa Crespi, which features the large park with old and tall trees. The botanical garden overlooking the lake is a feature of Casa Bossi, a former amily residence, that today is the Town Hall.
[ photo courtesy of MorBCN]
