Europe
Italy
Piedmont
Province of Novara
Orta San Giulio
Orta San Giulio Attractions
Sacro Monte di Orta
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Sacro Monte di Orta

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Sacro Monte di Orta
4.5
1,059
#2 of 21 things to do in Orta San Giulio
Historic Sites • Religious Sites
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Top ways to experience Sacro Monte di Orta and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
101 within 5 kms
Ristorante Villa Crespi
4,495
0.5 km$$$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
La Motta
711
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Gelateria Arte Del Gelato
284
0.4 km$ • Dessert • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Locanda di Orta
630
0.4 km$$$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Enoteca Re Di Coppe
228
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Bar • Wine Bar
Al Boeuc
766
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Wine Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
AgriGelateria
385
0.5 km$ • Dessert • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly
Ai Due Santi
589
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Piccolo Hotel Ristoro Olina
710
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • Vegetarian Friendly
Pan & Vino
831
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Wine Bar • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
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Attractions
140 within 10 kms
Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria Assunta
169
0.2 kmReligious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Lake Orta
2,505
0.3 kmBodies of Water
San Giulio Island
1,704
0.3 kmBodies of Water
Cimitero Di Orta San Giulio
1
0.2 kmCemeteries
Colle della Torre di Buccione
3
0.2 kmHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Casa dei Nani
4
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Palazzotto della Comunita
126
0.3 kmArchitectural Buildings
Palazzo Penotti Ubertini
4
0.3 kmArchitectural Buildings • Convention Centres
Oratorio dei SS Bernardino e Marta
1
0.3 kmReligious Sites
Basilica di San Giulio
297
0.9 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,059 reviews
Excellent
590
Very good
388
Average
74
Poor
5
Terrible
2
Simon Muscat
Island of Malta, Malta26 contributions
A unique find
Aug 2022 • Couples
Its an oddly satisfying find... a sequence of delicately placed chapels relating the story of St Francis of Assisi, perched in the woodlands on top of the mount... worth seeing
Written 17 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Spiritaneous
61 contributions
Panoramicpalooza
Jun 2022 • Solo
Incredible views from the churches on the sacred mount that overlook Lago d’Orta. Influencers would orgasm up here. #blessed
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
intrepid100Scotland
scotland97 contributions
Peaceful out of season
Feb 2020
I visited in mid February in the morning. A stunning view from the mountain top and all the chapels providing wonderful information about the life of St Francis with charming, life size wooden sculptures. There was a parking place 100 metres from the church where you can park for free for 2 hours. But in tourist season, I hear from friends the place is a nightmare and your only option is to walk up the hill.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
fanoffrance
Loeten, Norway548 contributions
Blew me away!
Oct 2019
I didn't even know this was here, but noticed a book about it in the hotel lobby. Once I saw the pictures, I knew this was something I had to visit, and it was absolutely amazing. Such a plethora of mind-bogglingly expressive life-size statues! Be sure to allow at least two hours. The closest thing I've seen to this is the Salzillo museum in Murcia, but the Sacro Monte is larger, more varied, and generally more cheerful.
Written 13 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David M
Yellow Springs, OH33 contributions
Worth the hike!
Jun 2019
It's a bit of a hike up hill from the very lovely town of Orta San Guilia on a glorious lake, Lago d'Orta. This is like a pilgrimage to Saint Francis. There are 15-20 small chapels, each with life-size reproductions of events in the Saint's life. The human figures are remarkeably realistic and life like. It's a very quiet and serene environment and well worth a visit in this most lovely spot in the Lake District of Northern Italy
Written 5 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anthony L
Aiken, SC458 contributions
Amazing Story
Oct 2019
The story behind this sacred mountain and the 20 chapels on it are a true testament of someone keeping their word when faced with grave circumstances. Well worth the visit if you don't mind walking and really getting into the stories of the chapels. Spectacular views from here.
Written 5 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gary G
Santa Barbara, CA878 contributions
St Francis of Assisi was a big deal
Sep 2019
We walked up from the Tourist Info Center to the many chapels with story-telling statuary of the life of St Francis of Assisi. Then a steeper but shorter downhill walk to the lake. Donations accepted but nothing required.
Written 1 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
seeitall09
Raleigh, NC10 contributions
Gorgeous Walk, Panoramic Views
Oct 2019
This was an incredible afternoon of walking in a gorgeous park. The 20 chapels are wonderful and I enjoyed reading about the local artisans who provided the murals, artwork, and ironwork. The panoramic view over the lake at the top was the cherry on top.
Written 14 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David H
West Sussex, UK69 contributions
Stiff climb but worth it
Sep 2019
This is approached by a stiff climb up from the town on a path that starts close to the multi-storey car park. Definitely for the young and fit.
Really nice walk around the top of the hill through woodland with glorious views. There are some 20 chapels, mainly 17th Century, and dedicated to St Francis with frescoes and statues which is fine if you are into that but nothing remarkably interesting architecturally.
Written 30 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael C
361 contributions
Interesting, unusual with very good views.
Sep 2019
Sacra Monte is a curious collection of chapels and temples devoted to the life of St Francis set in a woodland park overlooking Lake Orta.. The climb up from the town is quite steep but gives good views across the lake. The chapels are an odd collection in various architectural styles. Some are quite dark but others are light with life size terracotta scenes. There is some stunning ceiling art.

The view over the lake from outside church is lovely.
Written 28 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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SACRO MONTE DI ORTA (Orta San Giulio) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Sacro Monte di Orta
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