Orta San Giulio Italian lakes

Travelled:73km
Visited: Biella, Orta San Giulio
Stay:Orta San Giulio-aire, paid parking €10 GPS N45.79729 E8.41527

This morning we drove to Biella and walked through the centre of town. It is famous for its high quality wool and yarn production. 

From here we setoff for Lake Orta. On the way we were surprised with the unkept look of the roads and the many empty shops and factories.  We found a spot in the aire next to the Tourist Train stop and bus parking. We walked down to the medieval town and enjoyed exploring the narrow cobblestoned streets. From the main square which is filled with cafes and shops, we took the boat for the €4.50 short trip to Isola San Giulio. This island was named after Giulio, which legend says that in 390AD, he got rid of the dragons and serpents, then built the Basilica where his remains are in the crypt. We walked around the island along its only street, Via del Silenzio, that passes the Benedict convent. Once back on the main land we walked back to Bluey.