The beautiful little burgh of Orta looks onto the enchanting island of San Giulio, dominated by its Romanesque Basilica, its main attraction. On disembarking on the island the visitor goes up a flight of steps to walk along the lane running round the island, in an atmosphere of silence and meditation and a blend of spirituality and architecture.
Among the fine buildings on the island are the nineteenth century Bishops’ Palace and the Benedictine Abbey “Mater Ecclesiae”, a convent of cloistered nuns.
Another important building on the island is Villa Tallone, where classical music concerts are held every year.