A few minutes by boat from the coast we can discover this jewel set in the waters of Lake Orta.
Immediately after the landing after a short staircase leads you to the beautiful church and to the road that runs around the small island.
The alley takes the suggestive name of "way of silence and meditation".

And silently walking along it, you could admire the Palazzo dei Vescovi, the Benedictine abbey and the splendid palaces, now private residences, glancing every now and then the flashes of the lake that suddenly sparkle between a palace and the other

Between history and legend:
Legend has it that the island was infested with hideous monsters and terrible snakes (perhaps referring to the presence of heretical Arians) until in 390 St Julius landed on the island after having magically crossed the stormy lake.
San Giulio built a first church there, transforming the island into a center of evangelization.
In the 10th century the island was completely fortified by the so-called castrum Sancti Iulii.
Throughout the Middle Ages, the island was under the jurisdiction of the bishops of Novara.
In 19th century the ancient fortress was destroyed and only a few remains of its walls are now visible while a seminary was built on its area.

Boat timetable.

For more info:
wikipedia: isola di San Giulio
www.illagomaggiore.it
Orta San Giulio - part 1 of 2
Orta San Giulio - part 2 of 2