A gleaming red Fiat Cinquecento ... an older model, I believe — Orta San Giulio, Italy.

This feline is the only living creature we encounter on the Motta Climb to Santa Maria Assunta.

Kitty cat on the Motta Climb — Orta San Giulio, Italy.

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta — Orta San Giulio, Italy.

Festival preparations underway in Piazza Mottta — Orta San Giulio, Italy.

Taking advantage of festival decorations in Piazza Mottta — Orta San Giulio, Italy.

Arches add charm to the street — Orta San Giulio, Italy.

Orta: Day 2 … Eerily Quiet

July 30 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

Our stepped-meander down from Sacro Monte to Orta took us to the top of the Motta Climb.

We’d strolled up the Climb from the piazza to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta yesterday … only to find it locked up at the time. When we noticed that it was open this afternoon, we went inside for a quick look.

The current church sits on the site of a smaller church that was built in the 15th century as a votive offering to the Virgin of the Consolation after the end of an epidemic. Over the centuries, the building was enlarged to its present shape. Its dedication to the Madonna of the Assumption took place in 1560.

The lights were off inside the church, so we didn’t view the frescoes decorating the interior under the best circumstances. Nonetheless, I am glad we had a chance to go inside.

As we continued on to the cottage through Piazza Motta, we noticed that it was eerily quiet … considering the time of day. In fact, the whole town seemed especially peaceful. So different from yesterday at the same time. However, there were floral decorations that hadn’t been in the piazza before. Preparations were obviously underway for the local festival that Nicolò had mentioned to us.

Stopping to take a few photos, we headed home to rest up for our evening engagement.Read more