Lake Orta Like You’ve Never Seen It 
Join me on a breathtaking aerial journey over Lake Orta, one of Italy’s most enchanting and lesser-known lakes, nestled in the Piedmont region. This video features stunning drone, boat and ground footage of the charming town of Orta San Giulio and the mysterious Isola San Giulio—a place steeped in legend and spiritual tranquility.
Legend of Isola San Giulio
According to local legend, the island was once plagued by serpents and dragons until Saint Julius arrived in the 4th century, crossing the stormy lake on his cloak. He banished the beasts and built a church where the Basilica di San Giulio now stands. Today, the island is home to a Benedictine convent where nuns live a life of silence and contemplation—adding to its otherworldly peace.
Orta San Giulio: Timeless Beauty.
With its cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, lakeside promenade, and relaxed atmosphere, Orta San Giulio feels frozen in time. From above, the town reveals its elegant layout and perfect harmony with the natural landscape—making it a dream for photographers and travelers alike.
Isola San Giulio is a beautiful and tranquil place just a short boat ride from Orta San Giulio. The island is 275 m (902 ft) long (north/south) and is 140 m (459 ft) wide (east/west). This little Island is dominated by its Romanesque basilica, the bishop’s palace and the Benedictine abbey.
Filmed in: Lake Orta, Piedmont, Italy with DJI mini 4 Pro and Samsung S22 using DJI Osmo 6 Gimbal. Edited in Davinci Resolve Studio.
