The special nature reserve
The special nature reserve - Environment and protected area
The Sacred Mount of Orta
Surface: 13 hectares
Altitude: 330-401 meters above sea level
Environment: hills/lake
The Sacred Mount of Orta is located about 400 meters above sea level in a magnificent panoramic position overlooking the town of Orta and the lake. In the past, its slopes were marked by terraces cultivated with vines and fruit trees alternating with permanent meadows and coppice chestnut forests. The peak was once covered by the Selva di San Nicolao (the St. Nicholas Forest). The territory of the Reserve is 13 hectares, subdivided into two areas: the slopes of the hill with broad-leaf forests and the monumental area where the vegetation was, since the beginning, arranged to complement the architecture. Shrubs and hedges of boxwood and laurel (now cherry laurel) were arranged to guide the pilgrim along the religious route. The arrangement of the trees created areas of shade and meditation alternating with spectacular glimpses of the lake. Among the tree species there are the Scots pine, the yew tree, the beech, the holly and the secular hornbeams. Since 1980, the Sacred Mount of Orta has been a protected area of the Piedmont Region and since 2012 it has been part of the Sacred Mounts Management Authority.