The convent is situated on the promontory of the SACRO MONTE in Orta San Giulio Lake , Novara, Piedmont, Italy .
It is a Franciscan Friar convent which has preserved intact all its particularities of his ancient origins. Having his position on the SACRO MONTE and the characteristics of its ancient manufacture contributed to make SACRO MONTE acquire UNESCO’s of worldwide heritage of Humanity.
It was built in 1590 inside the park called “San Nicolao’ Wood” , it has a dominant position and has a beautiful panoramic view of a nearby lake.
Wanted strongly by the community of Orta, the convent was built simultaneously with a complex of 20 chapels dedicated to San Francesco and was originally entrusted to the cares of the Franciscan capuchins, who occupied it until the beginning of 1800 when it became a private residence of the actual owners.
The main structure, solid and well preserved, raises on three floors, beyond the cellars; it still has all its elements of the ancient monasteries: cloister, refectory, cells, kitchen, guest-rooms, arcades, the garden terraced in Italian style, conservation, park, greenhouses and the rural part.
The sobriety and the typical architecture, the lake view and the predominant position, which develops on about 2500 m2 of gross surface and on a total surface of more than 7000 m2. destined to park, garden and internal courtyard, completely fenced, gives to the property a special value.