The Church San Nicolao, dedicated to the Saints Nicholas and Francis of Assisi, has always been known as the Marian-Franciscan Sanctuary because of the cult for the Virgin Mary and because since 1590 it has been perfectly inserted into the thematic plan of the Sacred  Mount of Orta and its devotional system.
Nothing remains of the 9^th century little church of Saint Nicholas, but some romanic friezes of the attic and the foundations discovered in 1993 when reconstructing the floor. The architectural style of the present building, constructed in 1602-1607 recalls the Lower Basilica of Saint Francis at Assisi.

HOW TO REACH IT

See the map
By car:
from Milan / Turin: with the motorway A26 direction Gravellona Toce - exit Arona, going on to Borgomanero and Gozzano. Then follow the signs for Orta.
from Domodossola / Sempione: by the SS 33 direction Milan - exit Gravellona, going on to Omegna. Then follow the signs for Orta.

By plane:
The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa, 50 km far from Orta.
There is a network of frequent buses to connect the airport to Milan railway station.

INFORMATION

Ticket office opens at the Sacro Monte di Orta one hour before the beginning of the concert. Church doors open 30 minutes later.
Latecomers will not be admitted into the church until there is a suitable break in the music.
The use of cameras, video cameras and recording equipment is strictly forbidden. Mobile phones and watch alarms should be turned off.

WHERE TO EAT

In Orta you can find several bars and restaurants.