Lake Orta (Italian: Lago d’Orta) is a lake in the north of Italy, west of Lake Maggiore.<BR><BR>"There is a code of silence that surrounds Lake Orta in northern Italy. Visitors are reluctant to tell others about its beauty for fear of increasing … well, the number of visitors. Indeed, it is astonishing how few people – even Italians – know about the place, and it is telling that the Milanese call it La Cenerentola (Cinderella) because they have long considered it the secretly superior sibling to the larger, money-blighted lakes of Como and Maggiore. But, for me, what sets Orta apart is not its beauty – though the place is absurdly pretty – but the lake's mysterious, ethereal, almost supernatural quality. There is something for the soul there as well as for the eye".<BR>From The Guardian, http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2012/mar/09/italy-lake-orta-unspoilt<BR>It has been named Lago Orta since the 16th century, but was previously called the Lago di San Giulio, after Saint Julius (4th century), the Patron Saint of the region. Its scenery is characteristically Italian, while the San Giulio island has some very picturesque buildings, and takes its name from the local saint, Julius of Novara, who lived in the 4th century.<BR><BR>Main attractions:<BR><BR>OMEGNA<BR><BR>- Church of Sant'Ambrogio. <BR><BR>This is a late-Romanesque building with a nave and two aisle, with side chapels. The bell tower is medieval. The interior is now in a Baroque style, and is home to an altarpiece by Fermo Stella da Caravaggio (1547) and an urn with the relics of Sant Vito.<BR><BR>- Ponte Antico <BR>A 15th century ancient Bridge over the Strona river.<BR><BR>- Porta della Valle ("Valley Gate", c. 1100 AD), also known as Porta Romana.<BR>This is the only surviving gate among the five medieval gates of Omegna.<BR><BR>- Alessi Factory<BR>Buy Alessi products from the top Italian designer in their factory outlet.<BR><BR>ORTA S. GIULIO<BR><BR>The town itself is built on a hill overlooking the lake which juts out from the eastern bank of Lake Orta close to the Island San Giulio. It is well known for the nearby Sacro Monte Monestry, which is a site of pilgrimage and worship and, like the town itself and the island, is a popular destination. In 2003, the Sacro Monte of Orta was put on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.<BR><BR>MOTTARONE SKI RESORT<BR><BR>The Mottarone mountain is situated between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta and is considered one of the most beautiful natural balconies in the whole of the Piedmont and the north of Italy. Its location allows the tourist to gaze over a 360° view, from the Po Valley to the summits of the Alps covering the view of seven lakes (Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Lake Mergozzo, Lake Varese, Lake Camabbio, Lake Monate, Lake Biandronno). <BR><BR>The Mottarone is not only a breathtaking view, but also offers plenty to do in every season: it's possible to take part in winter sports and summer sports which include trekking, hand-gliding and descending from the top of the mountain by bike, which can be rented on the day. You can also enjoy trying a range of typical regional menus from a number of bar / restaurants which offer a cosy Alpine feel.<BR><BR>DOMOBIANCA Ski Resort (50 mins drive)<BR><BR>The ski runs of Domobianca, a ski resort situated just 15 minutes drive from Domodossola, wind from Alpe Lusentino to the 1900 metres of the peak of the Moncucco, with a difference in altitude of about 1000 m. It is a locality which offers a unique panorama, stretching as far as Monte Rosa, where one can ski along approximately 20 km of ski runs covered entirely by a modern artificial snow system. Moreover, all the runs are approved for the organisation of regional and national competitions. Domobianca also has an automatic timing system and a nocturnal illumination system, which covers the whole of a 3 km long ski run with a difference in altitude of 600 m. There is a small snowpark at the top of the Moncucco<BR><BR>For more info visit the blog: http://lakeortaholiday.blogspot.com/<BR><BR>Comments about Lake Orta from Tripadvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g187854-d585256-Reviews-Lake_Orta_Lago_d_Orta-Orta_San_Giulio_Province_of_Novara_Piedmont.html<BR><BR>Here some of these reviews:<BR><BR>"I love the Italian Lakes but Orta is my favourite - I'm almost reluctant to recommend it in case it becomes too popular". Pixie Scot, London<BR><BR>"It's not only one of the most romantic and beautiful lakes of northern Italy. It's also the one with the cleanest water". David S, Melbourne