La riviera di Orta San Giulio

An enchanting route that combines unique views, art and nature. Mainly on asphalt and cobblestones, it is suitable for everyone, even those who are not particularly trained.

An enchanting route that combines unique views, art and nature. Mainly on asphalt and cobblestones, it is suitable for everyone, even those who are not particularly trained.

HILL START
We start from the village of Carcegna. We go along the cobblestones lined with Italian-style stone houses. Following the GPS track we soon find ourselves on a dirt and gravel road until a crossroads that, continuing on the left, will lead us after about 300 m to the village of Pettenasco. As we get closer we will meet the Pescone river and a wonderful Roman bridge, under which the pure water source “Paganetto” flows.

THE LAKE AWAITS US
In Pettenasco, we will be welcomed immediately by the parish church dedicated to Sant’Audenzio which, on the northern side, preserves the medieval Romanesque bell tower, one of the oldest on the entire Riviera. From here, we will begin our ride along the lake on the promenade that takes its name from the English lawyer Peter Benenson, founder of Amnesty International, one of the most faithful friends of Pettenasco and the lake where he loved to spend his holidays.
CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS
In the presence of the clear waters of the lake on the right and enchanting flowering gardens on the left, we will approach Orta along the eastern shore, accompanied by the aromas of jasmine, roses and evergreens. We will find free and private beaches, piers, the mouth of the Pescone river, the sculpture “la fionda” signed by Roselyne Elutti and above all we will enjoy an enchanting view.
THE LAKE CHANNEL
We will find ourselves on the asphalt road near the Hotel L’Approdo. Keeping to the right, we continue along the road: a few minutes and we will have reached the roundabout that precedes Orta. Here stands the imposing Villa Crespi, an enchanting reproduction of a Moorish palace and a renowned hotel and restaurant made famous by the starred chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo. Keeping to the right, after a few meters we will take the uphill road on the left, towards the Sacro Monte.
OPEN YOUR HEART
After a few hairpin bends we will reach the top of the hill that will introduce us to the timeless atmosphere of this unique place. Here, in a forest of pines and beech trees, in a spiral path there are 20 chapels dedicated to the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Built between 1591 and the mid-eighteenth century and enriched with loggias and porticos, they house 376 terracotta statues in realistic dimensions and features that tell very vivid and evocative scenes of the life of the saint.
THE SACRED MOUNTAIN OF ORTA SAN GIULIO
In addition to the mastery of these great artists, the Sacred Mountain is made magical by the nature that surrounds it and by the poignant view that it offers overlooking Orta and the Island of San Giulio. “One of the most evocative places in the world”, as Nietzsche defined it.
DESCENDING INTO THE VILLAGE
Our Orta San Giulio Riviera bike itinerary at this point continues down towards the village of Orta San Giulio, passing in front of a monumental fountain, a wonderful statue of Francis of Assisi until reaching the Church of the Assumption. The beautiful and wide paved road will lead us to Piazza Mario Motta, the living room of Orta, the heart of city life.
THE SQUARE OF WONDERS
Fronted on three sides by old buildings, porticoes and horse chestnut trees, the square hosts the Palazzo della Comunità, or Broletto, dating back to 1582. From here you can enjoy an incredible view of the lake and the romantic Island of San Giulio with the Palazzo dei Vescovi, the bell tower of the Basilica of San Giulio and period villas that rise between the water and the sky.
THE VILLAGE OF WONDERS
From the square a series of characteristic, narrow and winding streets branch off, closed to traffic and full of stately buildings of different styles, but also characteristic shops and clubs. Back in the saddle, we will head to the left of the square, passing the church of the Holy Trinity, always skirting the lake.
Continuing along the road, on the right, we can make a small detour going down to Ortello, a small gulf that in the past was home to an ancient village of farmers and fishermen, where today there is a pier where the ferry docks and a pretty little beach of sand and gravel.
VILLA CRESPI EXCELLENCE AND HISTORY
Returning to the main road we will go up towards Villa Crespi and the roundabout at the gates of Orta. At this point, taking the road on our right, we can continue our ride towards the small hamlet of Legro, which has become a tourist destination thanks to the nice frescoes painted on the facades of the houses by Italian and foreign artists with poems by Gianni Rodari and scenes from films shot on the shores of Lake Orta. Always helping ourselves with the GPS, we will return to Carcegna and its parish church, until we close our itinerary by returning to the starting point.

The Riviera of Orta San Giulio / E-bike itinerary

The Riviera of Orta San Giulio / E-bike itinerary