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San Giulio Island, Orta San Giulio

4.4
#2 of 228 in Things to do in Province of Novara
Must see · Water Body · Nature / Park
The isolated beauty of San Giulio Island made the island an attractive spot for monastic orders to build their sanctuary. The centerpiece, a 12th-century basilica, stands as an icon to the mainland village and is open to the public. Next to the basilica, a 19th-century seminary functions as a Benedictine monastery. Parts of this building are closed to the public. Archaeological findings on the island date back to the fifth century, when a small chapel was erected to honor evangelizer Saint Julius. This notable saint spent his last days on the island, but he wasn't the only known figure associated with it. William of Volpiano, or St. William of Dijon, was born here. PutSan Giulio Island into our Orta San Giulio driving holiday planning tool and find out what's close by, where to stay, and where to head next.
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Tours to San Giulio Island

FROM $1,197 BOOK WITH VIATOR 4-Day Italian Lakes Tour from Milan
3.8
Duration: 4 days
Tours from $1,197 »
FROM $109 BOOK WITH VIATOR Paddle on the Orta Lake and San Giulio island
Duration: 4 hours
Tours from $109 »
FROM $326 BOOK WITH VIATOR A private romantic sunset cruise on Lake Orta, sipping wine on board
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Tours from $326 »

San Giulio Island reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,645 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By schmidtmg
    taking the boat from the main square in Orta San Giulio to San Giulio Island takes less then 5 minutes - the return trip is Euro 4.50. The boat runs every half hour or so. Once on the island, you 're....  more »
  • By nicolas s
    stunning. we took the short ride and then we strolled in this magical atmopshere , with gorgeous views all around. what a treat " had been before but very happy to be back  more »
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Google
  • By Frederick Rountree
    A beautiful and small island. Go during the off-season for the full effect of the church and the other houses on the island. Plan to spend a least 2 hours here!
  • By Wayne Boreham
    My favourite lake in the Alps, warm clean water, great for swimming, kayaking or just chilling at the water's edge. The lake does have a few public grass beaches in the Pella area these can be very hard to spot when on the move. Pella has a few small shops and restaurants the local tobacconist and coffee shop has sadly closed in recent years. It's best to bring your supplies with you. On the other side of the lake a San Guilio you can ride the boat trip to the island and visit the church and also take in the walk of silence, it's an amazing place!
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Popular things to do in Orta San Giulio

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Hidden gems in Orta San Giulio

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Nearby attractions in Orta San Giulio

Basilica di San Giulio ©
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Orta & Oltre Guided Tours
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David's Private BlueTaxi - Lake Maggiore Lake Orta ©
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Historic Sites in Orta San Giulio

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