The Sacro Monte of Orta
The balcony of the Sacro Monte - an U.N.E.S.C.O. site - offers a wonderful view over the lake. The climb is well worthwhile. The guided tour to the twenty-one chapels situated in a pleasant wood will allow you to learn more about the sacri monti and the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Italy, from the point of view of the Counter-Reformation Church. The sacred mountains (sacri monti) are an Italian feature and almost all of them were built in Piedmont. Inside the chapels charming frescoes and statues depict the most important events in Saint Francis of Assisi’s life.