10 places not to be missed on Lake Orta

Dolce Vita Wedding Lake Orta
Dolce Vita Wedding Lake Orta

10 PLACES NOT TO BE MISSED ON LAKE ORTA

Lake Orta is a pearl still unknown, but recognized as the most romantic lake in Italy.

If you decide to visit this beautiful area, here are the 10 places you can’t miss!

Wedding Lake Orta

ORTA SAN GIULIO

The small medieval village of Orta San Giulio is the pearl of the lake! Walking through its narrow streets, directly on the lake, is already an absolutely living experience.

1.PIAZZA MOTTA

The main square of Orta San Giulio with its frescoes and small merchants. Take the opportunity to take a break on the terrace of one of the many wine bars for a typically Italian “aperitivo”.

2. CHURC OF SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA

Baroque church located at the top of via Caire Albertoletti, just above the Piazza Motta. You have to go up this sloping road to enjoy the lake view from the church.

3. GARDEN OF VILLA BOSSI

Villa Bossi is now home to the Municipality of Orta San Giulio. With its garden directly on the lake, it allows many visitors to enjoy the view of the island San Giulio… It’s also perfect to celebrate civil and symbolic wedding ceremonies. Feel free to contact me if you want to get married in Orta San Giulio!

4. WROUGHT IRON GATES

One of the characteristics of this small medieval village is the richness of its wrought iron doors. To be admired throughout the walk!

5. THE ISLAND SAN GIULIO

From Piazza Motta, take a boat to reach the island of San Giulio, very characteristic with its path of silence. To visit on the island the Basilica San Giulio.

Wedding Lake Orta

6. SACRO MONTE DI ORTA

The Sacred Mount of Orta (and in general the “Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy”) has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2003.

It is composed of 20 chapels that represent the different phases of the life of St. Francis of Assisi from its birth to its canonization.

A feeling of peace will overwhelm you during this discovery!

Wedding Lake Orta

IN THE SURROUNDINGS

7. CHURCH OF MADONNA DEL SASSO

One of the most beautiful views to see the whole lake…

8. PELLA

A small village just in front of Orta San Giulio where you can go by boat and make a small walk before going to Madonna del Sasso for example.

9. LEGRO, PAINTED VILLAGE

Just above Orta San Giulio is the hamlet of Legro, a small town where artists from all over Italy and all over Europe dared to tell the story of films shot in the past on Lake Orta through a series of frescoes on the walls of houses.

10. VILLA CRESPI

Magnificent oriental type villa that you will see from the street at the entrance to Orta. If you wish to visit it, you must book well in advance. In fact, the Crespi villa houses a luxury hotel and a starred restaurant run by the great Chef Antonio Cannavacciuolo.

I can organize as well your excursions: contact me here!

Photographer: Sylvana Ruggeri, Camilla Anchisi, Enrico Mocci | Video: Gulliverfilms

Symbolic Wedding Ceremony in Italy

WEDDING SYMBOLIC CEREMONY

Perhaps you wonder what a symbolic marriage is and how to organize your Symbolic Wedding Ceremony in Italy?

Many newlyweds are now asking themselves the same question!

Here are some answers…

Why choosing a Symbolic Wedding Ceremony?

The first question is: why the couples choose a symbolic ceremony? The reasons are varied according to the couple.

1- THE FACILITY

Often this option is considered when marriage abroad seems too complicated to organize. Do not you want documents or worry about civil or religious procedures? The symbolic ceremony is the ideal solution.

2- FREEDOM

Another of the reasons mentioned mainly by couples is the freedom that allows in particular in the place that will host the wedding: a beach, a private garden or even an unusual place. Often outdoors, something that traditional Catholic religious marriage for example does not allow.

3- CUSTOMIZATION OF THE CEREMONY

One of the highlights of the symbolic ceremony is the customization of the marriage. The couple will choose the texts, the readings, the poems, the music, they will talk about themselves and their loved ones. No ready stories or cold and impersonal ceremonies. The spouses will be the center of the attention. Tears of joy could come, get your tissues ready!

It’s YOUR ceremony, so you decide! You will be able to choose the moments you want and at the right time. Have you always dreamed of a short and happy ceremony? Or on the contrary, a long and emotional ceremony? You choose. But… be careful not to fall into the ridiculous!

WHAT ARE THE RULES OF A SYMBOLIC WEDDING CEREMONY?

The only rule is that there is no rule!

However some tips can be given for a successful and memorable ceremony:

  • As a religious ceremony, create special moments with customized texts read by witnesses or people close to the spouses
  • Organize moments of music to take some breaks
  • Avoid a ceremony too short (which could leave guests disappointed) or, on the contrary, too long (and that could become boring)
  • Do not choose the random celebrant … And yes, often the couple gives this responsibility to a family member. But beware, this is not an easy task! The success of the ceremony is largely based on the celebrant’s shoulders. Everyone can not speak well in front of an audience! For this reason, we advise you to call an external celebrant and professional who will be able to conduct the ceremony.

THE POSSIBLE RITES YOU MAY ADD TO YOUR SYMBOLIC WEDDING CEREMONY:

Within the ceremony you can enter one or more rites, according to your wishes! For example:

  • The exchange of the rings: almost obligatory, this passage is the symbol of eternal love, connection, infinity, strength, fidelity
  • The reading of the votes: the newlyweds make promises, proof of their mutual commitment in front of their witnesses and their relatives
  • The ritual of the sand: symbolizes the newlyweds who will become only one…
  • The wine’s ritual: the newlyweds seal their wishes in a box containing a bottle of fine wine. In case of difficult steps within the couple, they can open it and read again their commitments, remember why they are together. On the contrary, if everything goes well, they will be able to open the bottle and celebrate their wedding anniversary with dignity! (ideal rite for those who like good things in life)

Feel free to contact us to organize your Symbolic Wedding Ceremony in Italy!

 

Photographers: Camilla Anchisi | Ml Photographie | Tiziana Gallo Fotografa | Gulliverfilms for the clip

5 Places not to be missed on Lake Maggiore

5 PLACES NOT TO BE MISSED ON LAKE MAGGIORE

Lake Maggiore is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy. Beautiful certainly but also very romantic and evocative thanks to the Borromean Islands and other hidden treasures. Here is a list of the 5 places not to be missed…

STRESA AND THE BORROMEO ISLANDS

Obviously the first stop to visit when spending a holiday (or a few days) on the shores of Lake Maggiore is Stresa and the Borromee islands. Not visiting them would be like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower or going to Rome and not seeing the Colosseum. If you have time, we suggest you to visit at least Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori but Isola Madre is also worth the effort, for its suggestive gardens and tropical plants.

SANTA CATERINA DEL SASSO

Sanctuary built right on the rock that goes to pico inside the lake. Very evocative, it is also a place full of serenity and quietness. To be seen.

THE GARDENS OF VILLA TARANTO AND VILLA PALLAVICINO

The garden of Villa Taranto is recognized as “one of the most beautiful gardens in the world” while the garden of Villa Pallavicino will enchant the little ones with its animals to observe…

ARONA AND THE ROCCA DI ANGERA

The Rocca di Angera dominates the southern end of Lake Maggiore. If you are passionate about history, its historic rooms, embellished with precious frescoes will conquer you. Inside the Castle, on the other hand, you will find the Doll and Toy Museum, which is beautiful both for adults and children.

Arona. City known for its long lake on which it is pleasant to take a walk in the summer with ice cream in hand or the pedestrian center and its boutiques. But beyond that, it also has a historical charm with the Piazza del Popolo and its typical colored buildings or the Rocca Borromea where there are the remains of a fortress, founded in a period just before the year one thousand (still intact and impressive twin of the Rocca Borromea of Angera).

CANNERO RIVIERA 

Known as the city of citrus fruits. In fact, the Village has a long historical tradition of citrus cultivation: in its famous gardens and elegant villas you can see ancient specimens. And it is thanks to the cultivation of citrus and olive trees, favored by the mild climate of Lake Maggiore, that Cannero, since the mid-twentieth century, has taken the name of “Riviera”.