The island was inhabited since the Neolithic period, which is why the evangeliser St Julius chose to build a first church in 390. The founder died and was buried under the altar, while the place became the main point of defence for Novara, so much so that a new church and a large castle were built. The church was destroyed by imperial troops, who attacked an enemy hiding here. The emperor gave the island to the bishop, who had a beautiful new church built in Romanesque style, which we still see on postcards today as a backdrop to the landscape. Frederick II of Swabia granted the entire region to the bishop in 1219, who made this place the central parish of all the lakeshore. The church in Orta houses relics of many saints and since 1973 has been cared for by cloistered Benedictine nuns, who restore ancient textiles and write texts.

My friend and I went on an excursion and after picking up two other friends on the eastern shore, we arrived at the island and moored the boat. After meeting the caretaker and getting permission from the abbess, we climbed this tower that no one had ever climbed before. From the tower there is a view of the lake and the mountains. The solemn ringing of bells was recorded during the feast of St Benedict, the patron saint of Europe.

B - c' sharp - d' sharp - e' - f' sharp - g' sharp - a' sharp - b' f'' sharp

The massive square bell tower was erected in the 11th century behind the apses, built by the most important architect monk in the region, who was born on the island. The belfry has a concert of eight beautiful bells, cast in 1907 in the musical scale of B major. The tower also houses an older bell, cast in 1618 to convene the chapter of canons.

The old façade is bordered by two slender towers, which serve as access to the two women's galleries of the inner church. The old annex was the first seat of the new abbey, which was later moved inside the old seminary. The church is one of the most beautiful in northern Italy, restored in the Baroque style at the end of the 17th century and filled with many paintings from the 14th and 16th centuries. The oldest painting depicts the Martyrdom of St Lawrence, frescoed on a column in 1250 and still perfectly preserved. The ambo in the nave was carved in 1120 and is currently one of the oldest in existence. There are many English, French and German tourists on this lake; if you are also in the area, visit this one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the world.

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Music track: Epic Cinematic Trailer by Infraction [No Copyright Music] / Giants League