The

center of Orta, completely closed to traffic , is characterized by narrow streets thats are very picturesque : the main runs parallel to the shore of the lake and intersects with some steep alleyways that run from the lake leading to the Sacro Monte (UNESCO world Heritage Site) or to the large parking area . In the center of town there is Piazza Motta, real living room overlooking the lake , from where boats depart to San Giulio Island . The square is surrounded on three sides by buildings well-proportioned, for most porches. On the north side is the Broletto or Palace of the Community of the Riviera of San Giulio, dating back to 1582 , consists of a porch on the ground floor , which is used for the market, and a meeting room on the first floor ; Here is exercised the legislative power , as well as by the Executive of the General Council ( composed of the deputies of the bishop’s estate ) and is considered the symbol of the long period of self-government in the region. The building is a blend of classic and rustic elements such as the frescoes on the facade and the irregular outer scale , small porch columns and roof in gneiss . The building culminates with a small bell tower. The current town hall of Orta Villa Bossi , with a beautiful garden overlooking the lake. In front of a large broletto starts uphill road called “Motta” (via Caire Albertoletti ), entirely paved with stones, on top of which stands the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, built in 1485 and rebuilt in the second half of the eighteenth century. The climb is lined with old traditional houses and some historic buildings including Palazzo Gemelli , dating from the sixteenth century, characterized by three different buildings , rounded border and a few paintings on the facade and on the opposite side , the neo-classical palace De Fortis Penotti . It is part of the town of Orta San Giulio, the only island in Lake Orta, San Giulio Island , which is about 400 meters from the shore. The island is dominated by former seminary building , built in 1844 on the ruins of the castle. The seminary today houses the convent of Benedictine nuns cloistered monastery Mater Ecclesiae . On the island there is is also the Basilica of San Giulio , the most important Romanesque monument of Novara.