Shhhh.... We're walking on the silent path that encircles the Basilica di San Giulio, on Isola San Giulio, in Lago d'Orta. Walk the short circle in one direction, and then turn around and walk it in the other. Why? To read the signs which are hung every few meters along the path. In one direction you are taking the "Way of Silence," and the messages on the signs are reminders to be silent, to be aware of the wind, the water, the sound of your steps, and to learn in the silence. Read it as a poem as you go. In the other direction, you are on the "Way of Meditation," which offers thoughtful phrases, such as, "Every journey begins near to you." Read the thought, and meditate on it as you continue to the next sign.
I won't print out all the words here; I want you to discover them on your own.
And take time to notice other beautiful details along the way... It's a short walk, with a lot of beauty in a small space.
Make this part of a day trip to Orta, our neighboring lake with so much charm of its own.