Lake Orta, small, intimate and romantic.
Lake Orta is one of the most evocative destinations of Piedmont. Framed by thick chestnut, beech and Scotch fir woods, it is characterized by picturesque villages and breathtaking views. Feud of the Bishop of Novara from the XIII century, the territory of Cusio, its second name taking origins from the Celts inhabiting the area before the Romans’ arrival, was transferred to the Savoy Family in 1767.
A place of cult, nature, art, and history, Lake Orta embraces the homonym romantic village, the island of San Giulio with its late medieval basilica and the suggestive town unaltered in time, the Sacred Mount and the sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso. A favored destination in the past centuries for precocious tourists world round attracted by the beauty of the lake and the unique Alpine views, it experienced a relevant entrepreneurial growth in the housewares and taps and fittings sectors, with renowned brands such as Alessi, Lagostina and Bialetti.
The new industrial growth has not altered the variety of its landscape attractions, masterly described by famous writers like Balzac, Montale, Soldati and Rodari. Today the Orta Riviera offers many delightful opportunities for art, nature and water sports lovers.