Highlights of Orta San Giulio, Orta San Giulio, Italy

To a certain degree, my visit to the sanctuary of Orta – the second part of my exploration of the serial Sacri Monti WH site – was coincidental with another target. Although I prioritize World Heritage properties in my itinerary, I also sprinkle in other destinations that I expect to be interesting, and Orta San Giulio, with its island in the middle of the lake, was one such target, regardless of the attendant Sacro Monte.

Sometime during my preparation research for the trip, I realized that the shores of Lake Orta are included in a tentative World Heritage submission celebrating the modelled architectural and cultural landscape of Piedmontese lakelands. So here are a few more elevated perspectives that enhance my claim of having visited the property for when – if – it gets inscribed.

That is Villa Crespi, which was built in the late 19th century by a local magnate – the same Cristoforo Benigno Crespi who later founded Crespi d’Adda – who had spent a lot of his time on business in the Middle East and wanted to be perpetually reminded of its architectural beauty. These days, it is a 5-star hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).