L'ISOLA DI SAN GIULIO
Picturesque little island with the Basilica of San Giulio dating back to the Baroque period.
Facing the village of Orta San Giulio, this picturesque little island (140 m wide and 292 m long) is named after the evangelizer of the region, St. Julius. According to legend, the saint ventured to the island in the 4th century and drove away all the snakes and other ferocious beasts that haunted the place. The island is home to one of the most important examples of Romanesque art in Piedmont, the Basilica of San Giulio, founded by the saint himself. Subsequently, the building was redesigned several times. The façade, restored in the 19th century, is flanked by two 12th century turrets and preceded by a 17th century pronaos. As for the interior decoration, it dates essentially from the Baroque period, except for a beautiful group of frescoes from the end of the 14th century (representing the martyrdom of Saint Lawrence). At the level of the fourth pilaster between the central nave and the left nave, a superb ambo in black Oira marble dates back to 1130. Supported by four columns, it presents the symbols of the four evangelists: the angel for St. Matthew, the eagle for St. John, the bull for St. Luke and the lion for St. Mark. The crypt holds an urn containing the remains of Saint Julius. Since 1973, a community of Benedictine sisters has been living in the former Bishops' Palace, contributing greatly to the mysticism of the island, also known as "the island of silence". Correct dress and behaviour is therefore desirable throughout your presence on the island of San Giulio.
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