san giulio island

977stevelk

It rained only during the time I took this boat trip to the island but even with the rain I have no hesitation in recommending a visit here.

Stainlesteve

You must take the boat trip over to the island and take in the charming buildings and the history. If you have time there is a wonderful restaurant which fronts the lake with one of the most beautiful views you can have whilst dining. We had smoked haddock risotto which was just perfect.

susannamacomb

This little isola floating in the middle of Lago di Orta is simply magical. The energy, should you attune to it, is very spiritual. First inhabited by the Druids, then St. Giulio, then a seminary and now 70 cloistered nuns who are master restorers of art with heavenly voices---though you will neither see or hear them. You must walk the Way of Silence through the island and then back off. It is of a another time, the stuff of legend and myth, reminiscent of Camelot.

Atruelocal

A beautiful place out of this world! The island is small but abolutely worth a visit. Do not miss the 12th-century frescoed church and the peaceful walk along the path of silence and meditation. A big Abbey is on the island (abbey is not a tourist place) and many elegant villas. Do not expect to find an ATM machine or go there for shopping. The island of San Giulio is a place full of history and art where you will step back in time! Professional local guides can accompany you there. In any case I would recommend a good guidebook not to miss interesting things and art pieces

915annemariej

Nice trip although it was a bit rainy. It's just a short boat ride and a small island, so we were done pretty quick. Although the road of silence is charming.

Greg_and_Maria2

Couldn't stop taking pictures! Enjoyed the words of inspiration on the walk around the island. Hired the boat for 9 euros rather then wait for the ferry. Went during siesta so had the island to our selves. The church opened at 2.

stevesmith10

This Island is all about silence. If you take the lovely walk around the cobble pavement and read all the wall mounted plaques, each one has a different message about what silence brings to life. It was by accident that we turned up at 12 noon when we found the church was closed from 12-2 but that worked in our favour as the guided tours don't come them and we had the whole island virtually to ourselves. The little restaraunt is lovely and we had a glass of wine on their terrace by the water. When 2pm came we went to the church which has the most beautiful Muriels and wonderful architecture. The crypt was a special place and one in which we lit candles for some special people no longer with us. The only thing that spoilt this was loud tour guides giving their lectures inside the church which is clearly signed "respect the silence" what a shame. Well worth the visit though.

TravellingLondoner12

I visited San Giulio Island and took the boat from Lake Orta for 4 euros 50. I expected it to be a bit bigger than it was and once we walked round it (took 15 minutes) we then walked round it again in case we missed anything. There's only 1 restaurant and 1 tourist shop and no toilets that I could see. It's really beautiful and lovely but not that great for taking up loads of your time during your day.

carpediemMMV

Well worth the short ferry ride. The monastery and the church are the only buildings and the church is worth visiting. Do not expect much more than a very pleasant walk (this is not a resort area with restaurants, bars and shops, even though you can find one or two), but I suggest to go back to town and enjoy some good food and a couple of glasses of wine on the square whilst watching time and people go by!

julianv629

What an amazing little island. This tiny island is easy to get to, cheap ferry ticket and easily walked around. There is so much history attached to it and if lucky enough you may see one of the sisters (nuns) who live in the monastery but are not allowed to speak. The church interior is spectacular and the shop nearby to buy souvenirs well worth a visit. The owner was born and bred on this tiny island. She is a delight to talk to. From here it's only a very short ferry trip to Orta itself.

maryannmccoy

Lovely boat ride across the Orta lake to the island but not much to see on the island since it is a cloister monastary and there is only one shop and one restaurant/cafè

beachsideguy99

A historic island with a quaint church. The boat trip was very pleasant but the best views are from Sacre Mont either walk or drive up.

IOWman

See the church. The art is amazing. Walk round the island in 10 mins. Not great for small kids. Views back to aorta are lovely.

Troyandy9

This island is simply stunning. Well worth a visit. Wonder round the streets, and admire the buildings. The boat ride is lovely too.

MyallTeaGardens

you travel over to the island by ferry, then you can just wander around taking in the ambiance of the area. It is so old but really beautiful