Pella
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 30 December 2023
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The lakeside village of Pella is situated in the Province of Novara, on the shores of Lake Orta. It has a population of around 900 residents and is located 126 kilometres north east of Turin, the regional capital of Piedmont.
Pella has somehow escaped the levels of tourism enjoyed by nearby Orta San Giulio and that's just one reason it's so special. |
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Laid-back Pella
Of the many wonderful lakeside towns in Italy, Pella is one of the most pleasantly surprising. It hardly gets a mention in most guide books and the majority of visitors to Lake Orta will give it little more than a cursory glance from Orta San Giulio on the opposite side of the lake.
When you make your way across to the western shore of the lake, either by car or by ferry, there's a noticeably quieter and more laid-back atmosphere. That's not to suggest Orta San Giulio is in any way noisy, it's just a reflection of the much smaller number of people you'll encounter on this side of the lake.
Approaching the town from the south you walk along Via Lungo Lago, a pretty lakeside promenade where the narrow waters at the lake's edge gleam an aquamarine blue. On the land side of the tree-lined promenade the buildings are painted in bright, pastel shades giving the town a welcoming appearance.
When you make your way across to the western shore of the lake, either by car or by ferry, there's a noticeably quieter and more laid-back atmosphere. That's not to suggest Orta San Giulio is in any way noisy, it's just a reflection of the much smaller number of people you'll encounter on this side of the lake.
Approaching the town from the south you walk along Via Lungo Lago, a pretty lakeside promenade where the narrow waters at the lake's edge gleam an aquamarine blue. On the land side of the tree-lined promenade the buildings are painted in bright, pastel shades giving the town a welcoming appearance.
Around the imbarcadero
The prettiest part of the town is around the imbarcadero, the ferry port from which you can reach the other towns on the lake, along with the bucolic Isola San Giulio. Piazza Motta is the name of the famous square in the town of Orta San Giulio, directly opposite Pella across the lake, and the name is repeated here.
Pella's Piazza Motta is much smaller than its illustrious counterpart but as to which one's prettier, there's some healthy debate. Everything in Orta San Giulio is bigger and grander but it's that very understated charm that makes Pella so appealing.
There are a few restaurants with outdoor seating between Via Lungo Lago and Piazza Motta, from which you can gaze out onto the lake with its varying shades of blue and across to the pretty island.
If you continue away from the lake along the main. thoroughfare of Via Roma you shortly reach a beautiful church: the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Albino. To the south of the town centre there's another area of interest: the little bay in the Plesna area is popular for a swim and the water here is even more appealing.
Pella's Piazza Motta is much smaller than its illustrious counterpart but as to which one's prettier, there's some healthy debate. Everything in Orta San Giulio is bigger and grander but it's that very understated charm that makes Pella so appealing.
There are a few restaurants with outdoor seating between Via Lungo Lago and Piazza Motta, from which you can gaze out onto the lake with its varying shades of blue and across to the pretty island.
If you continue away from the lake along the main. thoroughfare of Via Roma you shortly reach a beautiful church: the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Albino. To the south of the town centre there's another area of interest: the little bay in the Plesna area is popular for a swim and the water here is even more appealing.
Nearby towns
If you have a car, you'll reach Pella having passed through the neighbouring town of Alzo; it's worth stopping there in the pretty village centre from where you can get some great views out onto the lake. You can also take the quiet road north of Pella to the tiny village area of Ronco Marina, another pretty spot.
Most people will visit Pella from the water, either from Orta San Giulio or from Omegna at the top of the lake. Both towns are among the prettiest lakeside towns in Italy and of course the tiny island of Isola San Giulio is a must if you're in the area. Behind Orta San Giulio is a steep hill which is home of the Sacro Monte di Orta, a religious sanctuary which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Most people will visit Pella from the water, either from Orta San Giulio or from Omegna at the top of the lake. Both towns are among the prettiest lakeside towns in Italy and of course the tiny island of Isola San Giulio is a must if you're in the area. Behind Orta San Giulio is a steep hill which is home of the Sacro Monte di Orta, a religious sanctuary which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beyond Lake Orto
Lake Orta lies a short distance to the west of Lake Maggiore which is in itself a treasure trove of sights. Highlights on the Piedmont (western) shore of the lake include Verbania and Stresa while to the south of both lakes lie the cities of Novara and Milan.
For something a little different, and this is if you have a car, there's the beautiful historic town of Varallo Sesia, directly to the west of Pella. Although it's just 25 kilometres away, it takes around 40 minutes as the road is steep and winding.
For international travellers, the best way to reach Lake Orta is by flying into Milan Malpensa Airport which is a 50 minute (48 km) drive away. Public transport facilities into Lake Orta aren't as well developed as those into Lake Maggiore so unless you have a car, the options are a little limited.
For something a little different, and this is if you have a car, there's the beautiful historic town of Varallo Sesia, directly to the west of Pella. Although it's just 25 kilometres away, it takes around 40 minutes as the road is steep and winding.
For international travellers, the best way to reach Lake Orta is by flying into Milan Malpensa Airport which is a 50 minute (48 km) drive away. Public transport facilities into Lake Orta aren't as well developed as those into Lake Maggiore so unless you have a car, the options are a little limited.
Comune di Pella
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Province: Novara
Region: Piedmont Population: 894 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2023) Size: 8 km² Elevation: 305 metres Highlights: lakeside promenade, restaurants, Via Roma Close by: Ronco Marina, Alzo, Isola San Giulio, Omegna Recommended accommodation: Casa Fantini - Lake Time |
