Isola San Giulio is a small island located in Lake Orta, in the Piemonte region, in northern Italy. About 275 meters long and 140 meters wide, it is characterized by its picturesque landscape and its historical and religious heritage. It is approximately 400 meters from the village of Orta San Giulio, being accessible through a short boat route. The best news is that the nearest Italian city on this island has direct flights from various parts of Portugal.
The history of the island is associated with São Julius de Novara, a fourth -century missionary. According to tradition, the saint arrived on the island in the year 390 AD, crossing the waters of the lake over his cloak and guided by his staff. The legend says that at the time, the island was inhabited by snakes and other creatures, which St. Julius will have expelled a church before founding there. The saint was later buried in place.
The main monument of the island is the Basilica of St. Julius, built in the twelfth century on the foundations of previous buildings, writes the blog. The interior of the basilica has fresh and sculptures that portray the life of the saint, constituting an example of medieval sacred art.
In addition to the Basilica, the island houses the ancient Episcopal Seminar, a 19th century building that, since 1976, acts as the Mater Ecclesiae monastery. In this monastery resides a community of Benedictine nuns dedicated to prayer, study and conservation of ancient manuscripts.
One of the most well -known paths of the island is “Street of Silence and Meditation”, a path that surrounds the territory and offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Along the way, are signs with inscriptions that encourage reflection and recollection.
The island has few permanent inhabitants, most of the buildings used as seasonal homes. The calm and reserved environment is one of the striking features of the place.
The proximity to the village of Orta San Giulio allows visitors to explore this burgo, known for its narrow streets, squares and views on the lake. The village and the island are often visited together.
Isola San Giulio can be visited throughout the year, with regular boat connections from Orta San Giulio. Despite its reduced dimension, the route on the island allows you to observe its main points of historical and religious interest.
The island is a place of historical and cultural relevance, standing out for its architectural heritage and its role in the religious tradition of the region.
How to get to this island from Portugal
For those who start from Lisbon or Porto, there are several direct flight options to Milan, the city closest to Isola San Giulio. Airlines such as Tap Air Portugal, Ryanair, Azores Airlines and Azul Linhas Aéreas operate direct flights to this destination. You can consult the flight options available on the official sites of these companies.
From Milan, Lake Orta can be achieved by car or through public transport. Among the most affordable alternatives is the bus, with a duration of approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Another option is the train, which allows you to reach the destination in about 1 hour and 40 minutes. When you arrive at Lake Orta, you need to take a ferry to the island.
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