Sacro Monte di Orta
Sacro Monte di Orta
4.5
9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Sacro Monte di Orta and nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
107 within 5 kms
Attractions
152 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,139 reviews
Excellent
660
Very good
398
Average
74
Poor
5
Terrible
2
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Peter T
Dieburg, Germany8 contributions
Jan 2025 • Solo
... and a whole lot around it make Orta San Giulio a beautiful destination for a trip, even as a full-day tour, whether alone, as a couple or as a family.
On the one hand, the trail is well signposted, on the other hand, you use a "Navi" anyway, so it will not be a problem to arrive from Stresa or from the south via Sesto Calende.
Right at the entrance to the village is a public, free parking lot, not much further a paid parking lot and even a little closer to the lake is a parking garage. I can imagine that in the summer, when many visitors want to explore the place and the island, these parking spaces should be quickly occupied. Ergo: Arrive early!
The path to Piazza Motta, the center of the old town, leads down through narrow streets to the lake and is quickly covered, whereby there is also a lot to see and you can definitely make a (photo) stop.
In the piazza you will find bars, for coffee and the Cornetto, but there are also restaurants, with beautiful views on the farmed terrace. A few smaller shops and of course also souvenir shops must not be missing. If you can get a seat on one of the benches directly on the lake shore, it is now a good opportunity to enjoy the view of the lake and the beautiful island.
With the boats that are already waiting there you can translate in a few minutes. But beware: The private crossing costs 25 €, in the "Sammeltaxi" significantly cheaper, namely 5 €. However, departure times are fixed for you. Also consider the opening hours of the church on the island, a Romanesque basilica, and compare them with the departure times of the water taxi, so that once on the island they are not in front of closed church doors.
The "waiting time" for the boat tour can be very well combined with a tour of the old town, e.g. with a visit to the church of Santa Maria Assunta (15. c.) shorten.
But I don't want to reveal much more, because there should still be some joyful expectation and pleasant surprise.
Finally, a tip: On the other side of the lake, about 15 minutes by car from Orta, begins an "adventurous" path up to Sacro Monte. Don’t miss out! The reward is, among other things, a magnificent view of the lake with the idyllic island.
On the one hand, the trail is well signposted, on the other hand, you use a "Navi" anyway, so it will not be a problem to arrive from Stresa or from the south via Sesto Calende.
Right at the entrance to the village is a public, free parking lot, not much further a paid parking lot and even a little closer to the lake is a parking garage. I can imagine that in the summer, when many visitors want to explore the place and the island, these parking spaces should be quickly occupied. Ergo: Arrive early!
The path to Piazza Motta, the center of the old town, leads down through narrow streets to the lake and is quickly covered, whereby there is also a lot to see and you can definitely make a (photo) stop.
In the piazza you will find bars, for coffee and the Cornetto, but there are also restaurants, with beautiful views on the farmed terrace. A few smaller shops and of course also souvenir shops must not be missing. If you can get a seat on one of the benches directly on the lake shore, it is now a good opportunity to enjoy the view of the lake and the beautiful island.
With the boats that are already waiting there you can translate in a few minutes. But beware: The private crossing costs 25 €, in the "Sammeltaxi" significantly cheaper, namely 5 €. However, departure times are fixed for you. Also consider the opening hours of the church on the island, a Romanesque basilica, and compare them with the departure times of the water taxi, so that once on the island they are not in front of closed church doors.
The "waiting time" for the boat tour can be very well combined with a tour of the old town, e.g. with a visit to the church of Santa Maria Assunta (15. c.) shorten.
But I don't want to reveal much more, because there should still be some joyful expectation and pleasant surprise.
Finally, a tip: On the other side of the lake, about 15 minutes by car from Orta, begins an "adventurous" path up to Sacro Monte. Don’t miss out! The reward is, among other things, a magnificent view of the lake with the idyllic island.
Automatically translated
Written January 25, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amelia R
Borghetto Santo Spirito, Italy127 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
We arrived at the parking lot by car and started the route from the church of San Francesco and San Nicolò, admiring the chapel with life-height statues. On the altar we admired the Pieta in cherry. On the way down we visited the 21 chapels that describe the path of St. Francis. And x last the New Chapel surprised us x its volume on different floors, but it has never been finished. All "wrapped" by immense trees 🌳 and almost uncontaminated nature 💚. The route can last from 1 hour to 1 hour and thirty.
Automatically translated
Written October 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GabrielaSeevetal
Seevetal, Germany10,413 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Small hike / easy ascent about 30 minutes to the Sacro Monte d’Orta (Holy Mountain). Here lies a pilgrimage site built during the Counter-Reformation with reference to Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) – 200 years between the beginning of construction and completion (1590-1785) – devotional path with 21 chapels with beautiful frescoes and 376 living sculptures made therein by Dionigi Bussola, who is also represented with numerous works in Milan Cathedral. Crowning the “Chiesa di San Nicola” with beautiful altarpieces and a closed monastery. From the forecourt you have a beautiful view over the lake and the island of Isola San Giulio.
Automatically translated
Written July 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
annarita8Gorizia
gorizia43 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Climbing the Sacred Mount is an experience which, in the silence of contemplation, allows you to explore artistic treasures of great value and significance for spiritual life. The information office employee explains them very well and is very generous in offering travelers detailed and engaging explanations. Look for him, because his passionate accompaniment makes the visit truly special.
The beauty of the site is enhanced by the splendid view of the island of S. Giulio, which from the top of the mountain appears like a poetic dream.
Coming down you feel regenerated.
Annarita and Andrea (province of Gorizia)
The beauty of the site is enhanced by the splendid view of the island of S. Giulio, which from the top of the mountain appears like a poetic dream.
Coming down you feel regenerated.
Annarita and Andrea (province of Gorizia)
Written April 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AntonellaK2517HH
Arosio, Italy16 contributions
Sep 2024 • Friends
Spectacular view. Immense park. Sculptures of the life of St. Francis at human height. From the mountain you can see the island with the monastery of 70 cloistered nuns. In one of the buildings were the works of a contemporary artist (Omar Hassan). Super experience.
Automatically translated
Written September 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
serbel73
Genoa, Italy426 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
Beautiful path above Orta to enjoy peace and a stunning view of the lake. The route is uphill but it is quite easy. the 20 chapels tell the life of St. Francis in various "episodes". Some chapels are a bit ruined by time but others have been recently restored
Automatically translated
Written September 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elisabetta b
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Couples
Our visit to the Sacred Mount was a profound discovery... the cold and gray skies did not stop our feeling as pilgrims and our immersion in the spirituality, art, history and nature that this place holds.
Without our special guide we could not fully immerse ourselves in this experience: professionalism, sensitivity, respect, delicacy and sympathy of the reception office staff were the way to not feel like simple tourists!
We are very grateful and look forward to returning soon involving our loved ones and friends.
Without our special guide we could not fully immerse ourselves in this experience: professionalism, sensitivity, respect, delicacy and sympathy of the reception office staff were the way to not feel like simple tourists!
We are very grateful and look forward to returning soon involving our loved ones and friends.
Automatically translated
Written January 15, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vittorio R
8 contributions
Sep 2024 • Friends
An artistic and spiritual journey on the life of St. Francis, pure emotion.
Thanks to the Sacred Mountains Management Board, which with so much work and dedication made our experience simply unforgettable.
Thank you from the Cappuccini group in Casalpusterlengo.
Thanks to the Sacred Mountains Management Board, which with so much work and dedication made our experience simply unforgettable.
Thank you from the Cappuccini group in Casalpusterlengo.
Automatically translated
Written October 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emanuel L
Milan, Italy800 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
Twenty chapels where each tells a very important episode in the life of St. Francis. It also enjoys an excellent panorama, a place set in the green. Being with a newborn, pushing the stroller into the pebbles made me desist from seeing all the chapels... too bad
Automatically translated
Written October 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Venture529535
3 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
Unexpected tour.
A real discovery!
We suddenly organized this tour following the many positive reviews!
The tour was interesting and exhaustive without doubt thanks to the passion and skills of the staff of the managing body!
A must-see destination even during the winter months.
A real discovery!
We suddenly organized this tour following the many positive reviews!
The tour was interesting and exhaustive without doubt thanks to the passion and skills of the staff of the managing body!
A must-see destination even during the winter months.
Automatically translated
Written December 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Credo di si ne ho visto in giro è un parco come gli altri l'importante e non lasciare ricordini
Buona passeggiata
Written June 17, 2019
Si può accedere all'Isola in questo periodo e qualcuno conosce il costo del passaggio in battello o motoscafo?
Written February 17, 2019
Combien de temps faut il à pieds pour monter du village d'Orta au Mont Sacré?
Merci
Written August 10, 2017
Si ne ho visti....non ci dovrebbero essere problemi
Written April 16, 2016
Carolyn H
Irving, Texas
Are there any overnight or longer accommodations on the island?
Written February 25, 2015
Sull'Isola difficilmente si trovano soluzioni per pernottare. Al contrario tutte le localita' che costeggiano il lago hanno ampie possibilita' di pernottamento. I luoghi piu' vicini all'Isola sono Orta San Giulio e Pella. Tra i due borghi, in linea d'aria, ci sono circa km. 2 e l'isola si trova a meta' ed e' comodamente raggiungibile o con il battello di linea o con le imbarcazioni gestite dai motoscafisti. Il consiglio e' di cercare b/b tipo esempio "La Corte di Alzo", ottima struttura gestita con alta professionalita'.
Written April 20, 2015
Showing results 1-6 of 6
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing