St. Julius Island

San Giulio Island wedding Lake Orta
Wedding on Lake Orta

St. Julius Island


St. Julius Island is small and wonderful and it is nestle in Lake Orta just in front of medieval Orta village. It is a jewel of art and nature, a magical site just out of time where all is just like it was centuries ago.

San Giulio Island wedding Lake Orta

It is mystic quiet and it is the hear of Lake Orta spirituality with its ancient St. Julius Abbey the 100th founded by St. Julius that reached the island in IV century floating on his cape and sending away snakes and dragons on infesting the rock.

San Giulio Island wedding Lake Orta

Even if inside the abbey only Orta or Alpiolo villages residents can get married with a Catholic ceremony, St. Julius island is surely a must for all couples who decide to tie the knot on Lake Orta. Its magical atmosphere, ancient buildings, narrow road looping around the island.

St.Julius Island is the ideal set for unforgettable wedding photos after your civil ceremony at Villa Bossi or a Roman Catholic ceremony in one of the most beautiful churches along Lake Orta.
San Giulio Island wedding Lake Orta

St. Julius Island is easy to reach in just few minutes by motorboat or ferryboat. In ancient times there used to be a castle on it where Queen Willa, wife of Emperor Berengario II used to live. During the ages it then became the headquarter of Riviera di San Giulio state, a tiny church state ruling the area for more than a century. I mid 1800 - unfortunately - bishops destroyed ancient castle to build a huge monastery and then leaving it because there were not enough young priest willing to go there.

San Giulio Island wedding Lake Orta

For your wedding photos we surely suggest Palazzo del Vescovo gate, a wonderful arch which is the real access to the island. From here a lovely path runs along the island looping around it. It is called the road of silence and meditation. It is a wonderful blend between spirituality and architecture beauties.

San Giulio Island wedding Lake Orta

Side of the access gate side of the boat piers here is a small lakeshore area where in August 2009 our coordinator Valentina planned a lovely symbolic blessing for Mark Followill (Official Commenter for Basket Team Dallas Maveriks) with is wonderful Rachel.

San Giulio Island wedding Lake Orta

You cannot miss some shots side of the romantic well. it is located in the little square side of Palazzo dei Vescovi and Benedettine Abbey Mater Ecclesiae. Inside this mystic Seclusion Convent, some nuns spend their days praying, studying, restoring ancient and precious church vests, preparing holy hosts and famous Bread of St. Julius. They are the only ones living all year on the island.

San Giulio Island wedding Lake Orta

Among the other building on the villa that are mostly all villas and holidays homes still keeping Saints names, we can find famous Villa Tallone. Every year local administration here plan classical music concerts.

San Giulio Island wedding Lake Orta

The only two non-private venues on the island are a small vintage souvenir shop and a small restaurant. They are both situated close to the little square by the well. The restaurant has a couple of frescoed rooms and a wonderful terrace on the lake where you can plan your wedding reception.
The little shop is just unique and very picturesque… do not miss it for some shots on your wedding day!

San Giulio Island wedding Lake Orta San Giulio Island wedding Lake Orta San Giulio Island wedding Lake Orta San Giulio Island wedding Lake Orta
    PHOTO CREDITS - Many thanks to:
  • Photo 1: Enrico Mocci
  • Photo 2: Giorgio Gnemmi
  • Photo 3: Enrico Mocci
  • Photo 4: Independent Pictures
  • Photo 6: Enrico Mocci
  • Photo 7: Mauro De Luca
  • Photo 8: Raffaello Mazzoleni
  • Photo 9: David Bastianoni
  • Photo 10: Luca Rajna Progetti Fotografici
  • Photo 11: Luca Rajna Progetti Fotografici
  • Photo 12: Luca Rajna Progetti Fotografici
  • Photo 13: Luca Rajna Progetti Fotografici

Contact Us

We specialize in customized Lake Orta Weddings

A special thanks to our planner Valentina Lombardi for translation of the text above - by Mauro De Luca.

Thanks to her deep knowledge of the territory and hundreds of weddings planned in Piemonte region, Valentina is able to suggest the best solutions for your wedding on Lake Orta.

Do not hesitate to contact her using the form below.