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. Put San 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.
Create an itinerary including San Giulio Island

Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
Tours to San Giulio Island
San Giulio Island Reviews
-
Posto incantevole e rilassante. Consigliato per chi desidera eliminare ogni fonte di stress e di fastidio! more »
Lovely and relaxing place. Recommended for those who want to eliminate any source of stress and annoyance!View original -
"sbarcati" all'isola San Giulio dopo brevissimo trasferimento da Orta sul calmo lago, si si effettua il giro isoletta, breve ma con angoli caratteristici; quindi il tempo è dedicato alla visita del mo... more »
"landed" to the island San Giulio after a very short transfer from Orta on the calm lake, you make the island tour, short but with characteristic angles; so time is dedicated to the visit of the monastery "Abbey Mater Eclesiae" of the Benedictine sisters where we meet with a group a young nun who talks about her happy experience of work and prayers that mark the day. At the end we enter the Basilica dedicated to St. Julius where at 11.00 we celebrate the holy Mass with the presence of the singing and prayer of the 78 nuns who live in the Abbey, certainly a religious and cultural experience to do, as well as tourist on a beautiful lake and surroundings. guerino and donatella with unclesView original
-
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!
-
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!
Places to stay near San Giulio Island
Plan your trip to Orta San Giulio
Get a personalized plan
A complete day-by-day itinerary
based on your preferencesCustomize it
Refine your plan. We'll find the
best routes and schedulesBook it
Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% offManage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Popular things to do in Orta San Giulio
Side trips from Orta San Giulio
Hidden gems in Orta San Giulio
Nearby attractions in Orta San Giulio
Kid-friendly things to do in Orta San Giulio
Plans to San Giulio Island by other users
7 days in Varese & Milan
BY A USER FROM NETHERLANDS
December, outdoors, popular sights
PREFERENCES: December, outdoors
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
8 days in Piedmont
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
September, culture, outdoors, wildlife, popular sights
PREFERENCES: September, culture, outdoors, wildlife
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
8 days in Piedmont
BY A USER FROM CANADA
July, popular sights
PREFERENCES: July
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
22 days in Milan
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
June, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, hidden gems
PREFERENCES: June, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches
ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems
PACE: Medium
15 days in Aosta
SEE PLAN
December, popular sights
PREFERENCES: December
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
3 days in Romagnano Sesia
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
January, popular sights
PREFERENCES: January
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
View more plans