The picturesque village considered one of the 'most beautiful in the world' in the middle of a lake

Italy is full of extraordinary wonders , and it's practically impossible to see them all, especially since most tourists traveling from Spain tend to visit the country's major cities, such as Rome, Florence, or Milan. Just an hour from the nation's northern metropolis, in the Piedmont region itself, lies one of Europe's most sublime treasures: the town of Orta San Giulio.

This impressive town of about 1,100 inhabitants doesn't seem real, but rather resembles a dream setting. This beautiful Italian village is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, as it not only boasts an excellent architectural heritage but also has a unique location: it lies in the middle of a picturesque lake in northern Italy. Located in the foothills of the Alps, its proximity to Switzerland makes this municipality a fantasy place that few know about and that is well worth discovering if you have the opportunity.

Orta San Giulio, the hidden treasure in northern Italy

This charming town is nestled on Lake Orta, one of the most beautiful in all of Italy , right next to Lake Maggiore. Orta San Giulio is divided in two, with much of the town located on the eastern shore of the large body of water. However, there is also a small area on the island of San Giulio, the only islet in the entire area, which adds even more charm to this bucolic Italian village.

The dark green of the vegetation covering the mountains contrasts with the blue of the lake waters, as well as with the colorful houses scattered throughout the narrow historic center of the town. The image may recall the idyllic towns of Lake Como, but the reality is that Orta San Giulio is unique: in the town center, you can admire beautiful architectural gems such as Piazza Mario Motta and its Palazzotto, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Palazzo Penotti Ubertini.

A beautiful island and a World Heritage Site

Although a stroll along the lake shore is a unique experience, visiting the island of Orta San Giulio itself is essential to fully understand the wonder of this town. On the islet, located about 400 meters from the town center and surrounded by icy waters, there are a handful of houses painted in equally bright colors and an incredible church: the Basilica of San Giulio, built in the 12th century according to Romanesque canons and located next to the magnificent Monastery of Mater Ecclesiae Abbey.

Furthermore, just a few meters from the town's historic center is the sublime Sacro Monte Orta Reserve, one of the nine promontories that make up the Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The hill, located in the heart of the peninsula, boasts up to twenty wonderful chapels that narrate the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Without a doubt, Orta San Giulio is one of the most special places in all of Italy, and although it's overshadowed by the major tourist destinations on the Italian mainland, it's a true treasure well worth discovering. Being just an hour from Milan, it's a perfect day trip from the Piedmontese capital.