Best attractions and places to see around Briga Novarese offer a blend of historical, cultural, and natural sites. This picturesque town in the province of Novara features a tranquil atmosphere with rural landscapes. The surrounding region provides access to significant lakes, nature parks, and historic centers. Visitors can explore ancient churches, protected natural areas, and charming lakeside towns.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
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Splendid little town on the Piedmontese side of Lake Maggiore.
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Perfect spot for a moment of pure relaxation and silence
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be careful, many buses pass by
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Orta San Giulio - Lake Orta Orta San Giulio - Lake Orta - Faith, nature, history and beauty - Lake Orta, with its 13.4 km long and 2.5 km wide, is a real jewel between the green of the Alps and vast hill forests. The silent little cousin of the majestic Lake Maggiore. The shores of the lake are dotted with small picturesque villages, ancient villages and marinas that tell the story of the life of the fishermen who were once the most numerous inhabitants of Lake Orta. Today, however, they are the accumulation of modern stories of pleasure boats and ports, of international quality tourism. Orta is an ideal destination for families, couples looking for a romantic place to relax, sports lovers and for young and old who love nature and its energy. Text / Source: Lago D'Orta Piemonte, Piazza UnitĂ d'Italia 2, Pettenasco https://www.lagodorta.piemonte.it/item/orta-san-giulio-lago-dorta/
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Piazza Motta, Orta San Giulio Among the points not to be missed is Piazza Motta, the beating heart of the village, rich in history and vitality. In the centre of the square stands the Broletto, also known as the Palazzotto. Once it was the place where the representatives of the villages of the entire Riviera met to make the most important decisions. The building dates back to the sixteenth century. On the external walls you can see the coats of arms of the bishops who ruled the Riviera, three sundials and the symbol of Orta San Giulio: the coat of arms with the Hortus Conclusus. Text / Source: Lago DâOrta Piemonte, Piazza UnitĂ d'Italia 2, Pettenasco https://www.lagodorta.piemonte.it/item/orta-san-giulio-lago-dorta/
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The Piazza Mario Motta, Orta San Giulio The Piazza Mario Motta: The atmospheric square in the center of Orta was named after the Italian freedom fighter Mario Motta, who fought in the Piedmontese resistance. The square itself is a prime example of Italian architecture. Colorful facades on the east side, opposite the lake with a row of chestnut trees (formerly elms). The small Palazzo della ComunitĂ with a foundation of picturesque arcades (popular as a wedding backdrop) is unmissable. Shops, bakeries, restaurants, bars and boat docks are spread around the entire square. On the north side, the alley Salita di Motta leads up to the church of Maria Trost and the Sacro Monte, other alleys - almost star-shaped - open up other parts of Orta. Text / Source: www.idrosee-info.de https://www.ortasee-info.de/die-piazza-mario-motta/
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No fog, sun, pleasant view, strong wind at times, undulating route
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Beautiful view of Isola San Giulio
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Within Briga Novarese, you can visit the Parish Church of St John the Baptist, originally built between the 12th and 14th centuries and restored in Renaissance style. Another notable site is the octagonal Church of the Madonna del Motto, featuring 17th-century frescoes. For ancient history, explore the remains of the Castrum and Oratory of San Colombano, a fortress believed to predate the year 1000, and the Romanesque Chapel of San Tommaso, dating back to the 11th century.
Yes, the Lagoni di Mercurago Nature Park is a protected area accessible from nearby Mercurago, Dormelletto, Comignago, or Oleggio Castello. It offers a dense network of hiking trails through peat bogs and meadows, and you might even spot thoroughbred horses in its wooded areas.
On Lake Orta, the Orta San Giulio Historic Centre is a must-see, with its entirely pedestrianized streets. From Piazza Motta, you can take a boat to the picturesque Island of San Giulio. Overlooking Orta San Giulio, you'll also find the Sacro Monte of Orta, a complex of twenty chapels depicting the life of St. Francis.
Near Briga Novarese, you can visit Arona on Lake Maggiore, a well-known tourist resort with a scenic lakeside promenade. The Arona lakeside promenade itself offers beautiful views of the Angera fortress and features ancient Roman walls along a recently created cycle path.
Many attractions in the region are suitable for families. The Orta San Giulio Historic Centre and Arona on Lake Maggiore are both considered family-friendly settlements. The Lagoni di Mercurago Nature Park also offers easy hiking trails that are great for families to explore nature.
The area around Briga Novarese offers diverse hiking trails. You can find routes ranging from easy to difficult, including a 4.3 km 'Hiking loop from Briga Novarese' and more challenging options like the 'Grand Tour of Lake Orta - Stage 1'. For more details and specific routes, explore the Hiking around Briga Novarese guide.
Yes, Briga Novarese is a great base for cycling. You can find various mountain biking trails, such as the 'Pogno Bike Park Trail â Pian Della Sella 850m loop from Gozzano'. For road cyclists, routes like the 'Ciclovia del Mare near Gozzano' offer scenic rides. Discover more options in the MTB Trails around Briga Novarese and Road Cycling Routes around Briga Novarese guides.
Borgomanero, a short distance from Briga Novarese, offers a rich historical and artistic experience. You can visit Piazza Alpini d'Italia, the ancient market on Corso Roma, and the over thousand-year-old Oratory of San Leonardo with its 13th-century frescoes. Other highlights include Piazza Martiri, the 12th-century Collegiate Church of San Bartolomeo, Palazzo d'Este, the Medieval Bridge, Vergano Castle, and the Oratory of San Nicola alla Baraggiola.
Visitors frequently praise the picturesque beauty and tranquil atmosphere of the region. The pedestrianized historic center of Orta San Giulio is often highlighted as 'pretty and cute'. The Sacro Monte of Orta is appreciated for its immersive depiction of St. Francis's life through its chapels. The natural beauty of Lake Maggiore and the hiking opportunities in areas like the Lagoni di Mercurago Nature Park are also highly rated.
Absolutely. The Arona lakeside promenade on Lake Maggiore offers wonderful views, including the Angera fortress. The Sacro Monte of Orta, situated on a hill overlooking Orta San Giulio, also provides panoramic vistas of Lake Orta and its surroundings.
Yes, the Arona lakeside promenade is noted for being wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive option for enjoying the beautiful views of Lake Maggiore.
The region around Briga Novarese, with its lakes and nature parks, is generally pleasant for outdoor activities from spring through early autumn. During these months, the weather is typically mild, ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring the historic towns and natural reserves like the Lagoni di Mercurago Nature Park and the lakeside areas.


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