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Orta’s Lake is the subject of several books published in recent years : they are books on history , art and traditions of Cusio . For centuries, the countries surrounding Lake Orta hundreds of people have followed the paths of migration , leaving their land to go looking for work in Italy or abroad. But the link with their own small homeland has never failed . And so those expats cusiani to which the fortune was favorable they have witnessed, especially in the period between the Renaissance and the nineteenth century , giving to churches , municipalities , institutions, local works of art , paintings, sculptures, achievements most valuable of craftsmanship. The homesickness shines slight and almost imperceptible and one senses behind the inscriptions in the churches , which become the sign of a presence to continue, an identity that will not be lost. Right of Lake Orta is original Gianni Rodari , born October 23, 1920 in Omegna . In his works back quotes to Lake Orta : There was twice the Baron Lambert ( set on the island of San Giulio ) ; The accountant – fish Cusio . The municipality of Omega has created a park dedicated to Rodari , in a corner which offers a wonderful view of the lake. Among the major tourist destinations of Lake Orta San Giulio Orta must first point with a fully pedestrianized center characterized by narrow streets and very picturesque : the main runs parallel to the shore of the lake and intersects with some steep alleyways that run from the lake bringing to the Holy Mountain ( 2003 Sacro Monte of Orta along with the sacred mountains of Lombardy and Piedmont , was entered in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Site ) . In the center of town there is Piazza Motta, real living room overlooking the lake , from where boats depart to San Giulio Island . The archaeological investigations have demonstrated the antiquity of human presence dating back to the Neolithic to the Iron Age . According to the legend of the life of San Giulio in Roman times the site was abandoned. Presumably towards the 390 was built the first church , a symbol overshadowed by the legendary infestation of snakes and dragons. In 1219 the bishops of Novara assumed full sovereignty over the territory of the Riviera di San Giulio, of which the island was the religious and administrative center and built a castle . A pedestrian street runs along the entire perimeter of the island along the ancient houses of the canons, one of the oldest was owned by Augustus Caesar heel , builder and tuner of pianos handcrafted by Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli . Each year it hosts a popular concert series . In 1973 the island was founded a Benedictine monastery , the monastery Mater Ecclesiae , which are carried out important research, studies and translations of ancient texts. The monastery also has a conservation laboratory and center for research and study of ancient textiles . Among other tourist destinations were: the Museum of the tap and its technology , in San Maurizio D’ Opaglio ; the mill of batine , Quarna Under (Vb ) ; the Calderara Collection of contemporary art, in Vacciago Of Ameno (No) ; the Ethnographic Museum and the woodwind musical instrument ( Quarna Under ) ; Museum Of Hospitality – Armenian (No). Another visit is definitely worth Cusius Living Museum . The eco-museum is a cultural institution that ensures permanently, on a given territory , with the participation of the population , the functions of research, presentation , development of a set of natural and cultural assets , which are representative of an environment and ways of life that will succeed (George Henry Rivière) . In particular, the Living Museum Cusius aims : the reconstruction, the testimony and enhancement of historical memory, material culture , the relations between the natural and man-made environment , the active involvement of the population of the territory, as well as the protection and promotion of the characters distinctive features of the area, providing the public with the tools to recognize and consciously visit the sites that best illustrate .