Monastery of San Giulio

The Basilica that can be admired today dates back to the 12th century and was built on the model of the ancient cathedral of Novara. A visit inside is a must. In addition to the wonderful frescoes and paintings, the precious pulpit made of marble from the quarries of the nearby village of Oira is preserved inside. It is a particular type of marble called serpentine. The pulpit is supported by four columns and is decorated with symbols of Christian tradition, including a male figure that most likely represents the abbot Guglielmo da Volpiano, born on the island in 962.

During the Middle Ages, the island was home to a castle with military purposes, a place easily defended from enemy attacks due to its strategic position in the center of the lake. It was the center of various historical events. One of the best known was the siege of 962 that saw the opposing sides commanded by Queen Willa, wife of Berengario II King of Italy, and Otto II. It was during this siege that the famous abbot Guglielmo da Volpiano was born.

Today, the island hosts the Mater Ecclesiae Abbey, which houses a monastery of cloistered Benedictine nuns. Inside, studies and research on ancient texts are carried out.