Basilica di San Giulio

The Basilica di San Giulio occupies a small rocky island at the center of Lake Orta, making it one of the most dramatically sited Romanesque churches in northern Italy. The island takes its name from Saint Julius of Novara, who according to legend crossed the lake on his cloak in the 4th century to rid the island of serpents and dragons before founding a church there. Designated an Italian national monument and holding the rank of Basilica minor, it preserves relics attributed to the saint himself within its medieval interior. Visitors reach the island by rowboat from the lakeside town of Orta San Giulio; a single quiet path circles the island, passing the church facade and monastic buildings with open views across the calm Alpine lake.