Several freeways connect the Lake with other key cities and the Ligurian coast: A8 (Milano-Laghi/Milan-Lakes), A4 (Milano-Torino/Milan-Turin) and A26 towards the Ligurian Riviera.
From Sempione/Simplon: Domodossola, Gravellona Toce, Omegna, Orta San Giulio
From San Gottardo/Gotthard Pass: Locarno (Switzerland), Verbania, Gravellona Toce, Omegna, Orta San Giulio
From Milano/Milan: A26 Freeway, take Arona exit, Borgomanero, Orta San Giulio
From Genova/Genoa: A26 Freeway, take Borgomanero exit, Gozzano, Orta San Giulio
From Como and Lugano: A9 Freeway, A26 Freeway, take Arona exit, Borgomanero, Orta San Giulio
By train: Orta-Miasino railway station, just 800 meters from Villa Crespi. May be reached from Milan or Turin. Transfer in Novara.
An alternative to renting a car, private transfers may be organized to and from all major Milan airports (Malpensa, Linate or Bergamo Orio al Serio) and may be arranged at the time of booking or by contacting the Concierge.
It is also possible to reach Villa Crespi by private helicopter; the landing pad isn’t far from the Hotel. It would be our pleasure to come and pick you up at the pad.
THE MEDIEVAL VILLAGE OF ORTA
Imagine the calm and quiet atmosphere of Orta, unique for its kind. If you are looking for a bit of relaxation and well-being, then it is the perfect place for your next getaway.
Surrounded by nature, between the Lake and the Alps, the quaint town of Orta San Giulio, one of the 100 most beautiful villages in Italy, can be easily reached on foot from Villa Crespi with a beautiful 10-minute walk.
Or drive along Via Panoramica. There are a few parking lots available if you want to get closer to the center by car.
Throughout the year, the romantic Orta San Giulio offers views with enchanting colors; Sacro Monte and the Island of San Giulio are the most famous destinations and with unique characteristics bring added value to an already alluring atmosphere.
THE ISLAND OF SAN GIULIO
If you’re looking for magical legends and mysterious stories, you’re in the perfect spot as they shroud the Island of San Giulio; Lake Orta’s only island.
The Benedictine Women’s Abbey of Clausura Mater Ecclesiae is located in the 19th Century Palazzo dei Vescovi. The monastic settlement, of only six nuns at that moment, dates back to 1973 as a foundation of the abbey of Viboldone (MI).
Currently, the abbey is home to about eighty Benedictine nuns who preserve and keep alive the traditions of Santo Guglielmo of Volpiano who was born on the island and greatly contributed to the spread of monasticism in Europe.
In the distant past it was said to be a place infested with dragons, snakes and sea monsters and to have been struck by violent storms. According to legend, this is the island that at the end of the 4th Century welcomed the Saint who decided to build a church on it as a way to free it from the evils of paganism.
Sailing on his cloak, San Giulio faced the beasts which inhabited the waters of the lake in order to land on the island where he erected his hundredth and last church.
The historical period of reference is that of pagan evangelization, when monsters were symbols of evil and incarnated, according to the Christian religion, the pagan cult.
Walking on the island today, you’ll have the chance to take this enchanted setting; the lake and surrounding mountains become an actual painting in the open air.
Over the centuries, the church of San Giulio has undergone continuous expansions of various architectural influences. The exterior has a simple, romantic style.
In addition to the Basilica, there is a pathway, the Via del Silenzio, adorned with aphorisms about silence and meditation making it the perfect place for a moment of contemplation.
SACRO MONTE
The UNESCO jewel just steps from Orta San Giulio
Dedicated to San Francesco of Assisi, the Sacro Monte of Orta San Giulio is a sanctuary which stands on a hilltop; it chosen position allows you to admire the spectacular view of the island of San Giulio, the lake and the mountains.
Recognized as a Unesco Natural World Heritage Site, Sacro Monte oozes an aura of prayer, meditation and spirituality.
Just 600 meters from Villa Crespi, a short walk away, Sacro Monte offers a devotional journey dedicated to San Francesco of Assisi; 20 frescoed chapels, adorned with life-size terracotta statues representing the most significant episodes of the Saint’s life.
