Lake Orta (Northern Lakes of Italy)

We woke to sunshine but a stormy looking sky with thunderstorms predicted. After a delicious breakfast we took a ten minute boat ride across to Saint Giulio Island which consisted of The Basilica that dates back to 390AD ,the Bishop's Palace, and the Abbey where a community of nuns live today.This area has been or still is a hugely spiritual /catholic place but very peaceful. When the church bells ring on the hour they sound so amazing echoing through the village.

Unfortunately we were held up by a huge thunderstorm passing through and had to wait around for awhile for it to ease off. After the worst of the storm was over we set off in the rain and followed the Sacred Hill walk which takes you to the top of the hill above the village where there are 20 very small chapels built during the 1500-1600s and all centred around St Francis. The chapels are very small and full of sculptures with the interiors and ceilings completely covered in artwork. They are all gated off and viewed through big iron gates until reaching the 20th chapel that was a working church. On a lovely clear day the views from the top would be amazing.

Saint Giullio Island. View from Sacred Hill unfortunately looking a bit grey in the rain.

 A typical scene of what the chapels look like inside all with a different story. Amazing to look at but hard to understand how their minds worked in those days with their way out stories.

Arriving back into the village after our walk and it's still raining.

Once arriving back into the village we took a walk along the long narrow street with its tiny little shops hidden away in all sorts of little corners and alleyways. The perfume of jasmine wafts out from all corners of the village....just divine.

It was time to call it a day so we put our feet up for awhile and then found a place to eat. The worst part about this is you never know what you will have served on your plate even though it is translated into English but it has worked out so far.

A little deli full of wine,cheese,dried mushrooms and cured meats etc.