Isola San Giulio Island

Address: Isola San Giulio, Lake Orta, 28016 Orta San Giulio, Novara, Italy

Isola San Giulio is a small, inhabited island in Lake Orta in Piedmont, northern Italy, known for its historic church complex and monastic presence. The island is one of the principal features of Lake Orta and is reached by short boat crossings from the town of Orta San Giulio.

The island’s compact streets and waterfront are dominated by a prominent church complex and cloistered monastic buildings, with narrow lanes and limited public space. Visitors typically arrive by water taxi or ferry, walk the island shore, and visit the church area and viewpoints across the lake.

Local tradition links the island to Saint Julius; the island’s main church and associated religious buildings developed in the medieval period and were modified in later centuries. The island has maintained a continuous ecclesiastical presence, including a Benedictine community.

Isola San Giulio sits close to the eastern shore of Lake Orta, adjacent to the town of Orta San Giulio, in the province of Novara. The lake is in the pre-Alpine region of Piedmont, roughly 90 km northwest of Milan by road.

• Access and circulation: Ferries and small boats run from Orta San Giulio across Lake Orta; the island is pedestrian-only and easily circumnavigated on foot in a short walk.
• Best times to visit: Quiet early-morning or late-afternoon visits reduce crowds and give clearer views across Lake Orta to the surrounding hills.

What to See#

• Basilica di San Giulio: A Romanesque- and later-period church complex occupying the island’s high point, historically associated with the cult of Saint Julius and open to visitors outside religious services.
• Monastic buildings and convent: A small monastic complex occupied by a Benedictine community with cloistered spaces and limited public access during visiting hours.

Regular boats run from the town of Orta San Giulio on the eastern shore of Lake Orta; the town is about a 90-minute drive from Milan or 45 minutes from the nearest regional airports.

• Arrive early to climb the 250 stone steps that spiral the island - the climb is short but steep and rewards with view and silence.
• Visit the Basilica di San Giulio and request permission to see the cloister if it is open; the island's monastery is a quiet place of retreat.
• No cars on the island - bring small change for the island's single café and for donations.