ORTA SAN GIULIO AND ITS GEMS – This is a charming ride through uniquely beautiful panoramic landscapes, art and nature. It is mainly on tarmac roads and cobbles and is suitable for all levels of biking expertise and fitness.

DEPARTURE ON THE HILL

Departure Is from Carcegna.

We pedal along the cobbled road flanked by stone houses typically Italian in style.

Following our GPS, you soon reach a gravel and dirt road and then a crossroads which, when you turn left, will take you the 300 metres to the village of Pettenasco. As you approach you will see the Pescone River and a gorgeous little Roman bridge under which is a spring of the purest water called “Paganetto”.

THE LAKE AWAITS US

At Pettenasco don’t miss the parish church dedicated to Saint Audenzio which, on the northern end still features Its medieval Romanesque bell tower, one of the oldest along the Riviera of Lake Orta.

The cycle ride proceeds along the promenade which takes its name from the English lawyer, Peter Benenson, founder of Amnesty International, one of Pettenasco and indeed the lake’s most loyal friends, who loved to take his holidays here.

CRYSTALLINE WATERS

The cycle ride proceeds along the promenade which takes its name from the English lawyer, Peter Benenson, founder of Amnesty International, one of Pettenasco and indeed the lake’s most loyal friends, who loved to take his holidays here.

The approach to Orta Is along the eastern shore with the transparent waters of the lake on the right and flower filled gardens on the left, accompanied by the scent of jasmine, roses and evergreen trees. There are private and public beaches, pontoons, the mouth of the river Pescone, and the sculpture of a catapult by Roselyne Elutti and above all the gorgeous views.

THE SLING OF THE LAKE

Turning right, proceed along the road: after a few minutes you will reach the big roundabout where you turn down to Orta. Just beyond it is the impressive Villa Crespi, an enchanting reproduction of a Moorish palace and the renowned hotel and restaurant made famous by the Michelin starred celebrity chef, Antonino Cannavacciuolo. Going right again, after a few minutes you will turn left and take the hill following the sign for the Sacro Monte, or Holy Mount.

OPEN YOUR HEART

After a few hairpin bends, you reach the top of the hill and the timeless atmosphere of this simply unique place. Here in a wood of pine and beech trees, is a path through 20 chapels tracing the life of St Francis of Assisi, in the form of a spiral. It was conceived, planned and carried out between 1591 and the middle of the 1700s, enriched along the way with loggias and porticos, with 376 life-size, very realistic statues in painted terracotta, telling vivid stories of the saint’s life.

IL SACRO MONTE DI ORTA SAN GIULIO

The Sacro Monte is made more impressive and magical not only by the mastery of the artists’ work but also by the beauty of the natural setting and the breath-taking view over Orta and the Island of San Giulio. The philosopher Nietsche himself described it “One of the most evocative places in the world”.

SCENDENDO NEL BORGO

From here, take the descent into Orta San Giulio’s village, passing a monumental fountain, a wonderful statue of St Francis of Assisi and the Church of the Assunta. The beautiful, broad cobbled hill leads into Piazza Mario Motta, considered to be the salon of Orta, the heart of village life.

THE SACRED MOUNT OF ORTA SAN GIULIO

Lined on three sides by old palazzos, porticos and horse chestnut trees, the Piazza hosts the ancient town hall, or Broletto, going back to 1582. There is an incredible view over the lake to the romantic Island of San Giulio with its Palace of Bishops, the bell tower of the San Giulio Basilica and numerous period villas appearing to rise from the water and point to the sky.

ORTA SAN GIULIO AND ITS GEMS

A series of charming little roads lead off the square, narrow and winding, closed to traffic and lined with pretty villas and palaces in different styles, but also with fascinating little shops, bars and local restaurants.

After a good look around, hit the saddle again and off you pedal to the left of the square, passing the Holy Trinity church and skirting the lake on your right. Continuing along the road, turn right and take a little diversion down to Ortello, a little bay and group of houses which in past times were home to farmers and fishermen and where today there is a pontoon where the public boat stops and also a pretty little sand and gravel beach.

VILLA CRESPI EXCELLENCES AND HISTORY

Back on the main road again, ride up the hill towards Villa Crespi and the large roundabout that marks the beginning of Orta.

At this point, turning right, you can go to the little village of Legro which has become popular for the interesting wall paintings on the facades of the houses, done by Italian and foreign artists, with poetry by local poet Gianni Rodari and scenes from films made on the shores of Lake Orta. With the help of your trusty GPS, return to Carcegna and its parish church, the last point of interest on the itinerary and also its point of departure.

ORTA SAN GIULIO AND ITS GEMS

TYPES OF ROAD
Singletrack: 1.31 km
Path: 3.21 km
Secondary road: 3.30 km
Road: 3.31 km
State road: 2.92 km
Access road: 132 m

SURFACES
Natural: 232 m
Unpaved: 2.55 km
Dirt road: 1.60 km
Paved area: 1.84 km
Asphalt: 6.62 km
Unknown: 1.57 km

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