San Giulio Island

The Island in History

San Giulio is the only island on Lake Orta. It is 275 meters long and 140 meters wide. It is located just 400 meters from the square in Orta.

Archaeological findings attest to human presence since the Neolithic era. It was most likely a pre-Christian center of worship. The lands of Lake Orta were evangelized in the 4th century by the saints of Greek origin Julian and Julius. It was the latter who gave the island its name.

According to legend, at that time it was infested by horrible monsters similar to snakes or dragons, which in Christian tradition were the symbol of evil and paganism. Precisely because of fear of these creatures, the fishermen of the inhabited centers around the lake refused to transport San Giulio by boat to the island. So it is said that he sailed on his cloak until he reached the strip of land in the center of the lake. Here he defeated the monstrous creatures that populated it, bringing the Christian faith and founding the church on the spot where the Basilica stands today.

This was the hundredth church built by the two saints during their work of evangelization, while the ninety-ninth was that of Gozzano, dedicated to San Giuliano.

The Basilica

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 not to be missed. 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 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.

Nowadays, the island is home to the Mater Ecclesiae Abbey, which houses a monastery of cloistered Benedictine nuns. Studies and research on ancient texts are carried out inside.

Via del silenzio

The Island of San Giulio is crossed by a perimeter road, called Via del Silenzio, which passes in front of the ancient villas, the walled gardens and meets small streets that descend towards the Lake and its calm waters.

An evocative place, with an immortal charm that certainly deserves a visit.