You may not imagine what this place we are about to describe has to offer. Know that a journey through Lake Orta will give you many satisfactions, especially if you focus on the Borgo di Orta San Giulio. Among the most beautiful things of all there is certainly the Special Nature Reserve of Monte Mesma, where you will discover small natural corners of paradise never taken into consideration until now. There is something magical that will literally leave you stunned.

The Special Nature Reserve of Monte Mesma is located at the foot of the mountain of the same name. It is not even a very small reserve, considering that it occupies an area of ​​52 hectares. Monte Mesma reaches a height of 576 meters and is covered by a forest of chestnut and oak trees, below which the Rio Membra and the Agogna stream flow. The area belongs both to the municipality of Ameno and to Orta San Giulio.

WHAT IS THE STORY OF THIS MOUNTAIN

From a historical point of view, the top of Monte Mesma attracted the attention of the municipality of Novara only in 1300, when it was decided to build a castle. The property of the castle remained in the municipality of Novara even after the clash with the bishop, but in 1358 it was destroyed by the inhabitants of Lortallo and Ameno who reacted brutally after the disputes over the exploitation of pastures. In 1619, after the contrasts disappeared, the construction of the convent was begun and can still be visited today. On Mount Mesma there were some inhabitants, and the population remained in place in the period of time ranging from the ninth to the sixth century BC. In fact, the findings of urns containing ashes can be framed in the Culture of Golasecca. Remains of the Celtic and Roman ages have also been found.

INFO ON CHURCH AND CONVENT

The church was completed in 1625. It has a salient facade, a nave and above the altar you will surely be amazed to see a large crucifix that was carved by the Milanese Lentignani. The convent buildings are located around two seventeenth-century cloisters with arches resting on granite columns, while the ceilings are made up of wooden trusses.