![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/LAKE-ORTA-5107927.jpg?r=1702209823290\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Lake Orta is often regarded as Italy’s most beautiful lake and one of its best-kept secrets.<\/p>\n
However, for years, its neighbours in Piedmont – Lake Como and Lake Maggiore – have garnered most of the attention and tourists.<\/p>\n
This hidden gem is home to a tiny island in the middle of the lake, Isola di San Giulio, or St Julius Island.<\/p>\n
The island, the only one within Lake Orta, is just 275 metres long and 140 metres wide.<\/p>\n
St Julius Island is home to a Benedictine monastery, with only a few families living as permanent residents.<\/p>\n
The island is dubbed “the island of silence” thanks to the fully-functioning monastery.<\/p>\n
A signposted walkway traces the perimeter of the island, where visitors can enjoy walks of “silence and meditation”.<\/p>\n
The island takes its name from a local patron saint – Julius of Novara, who lived on the island during the fourth century.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> According to tradition, Julius helped found one hundred churches during his lifetime.<\/p>\n Fortunately for visitors, most of the houses on the island are holiday houses or second houses<\/p>\n Frequent ferry service connects towns and villages around the lake, including to St Julius Island.<\/p>\n
Outrage as security guard ‘pours water on homeless man'[VIDEO] <\/strong>
Second named storm to thrash Britain causing fresh travel chaos[FORECAST] <\/strong>
Princess Kate is No. 1 in US poll results with Harry and Meghan voted to go home[POLL] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/LAKE-ORTA-5107928.jpg?r=1702209823365\")
<\/p>\n\n