Little is known about the origins of the Basilica of St. Giulio. Recent excavations, however, have shown that a building was already there in the 4th and 5th centuries. The site is supposedly the place of death of Julius of Novara (Gulio di Orta), a missionary priest who converted northern Italy. Among other buildings on the island, the church, due to its antiquity, displays an interesting mix of styles ranging from Romanesque to Baroque.
The hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso dates back to the 12th century when a certain Alberto Besozzi d'Arolo retired in prayer and solitude to a cave in this part of the coast. There he is said to have built a chapel that can still be seen today at the back of the church. The monastic complex was built around the 14th century, with the construction of two churches dedicated to St. Nicholas and St. Mary New. The complex was governed by the Dominicans (-1314/1986-1996), the Ambrosians (1314 - 1645), the Carmelites (1670-1770), the Benedictines (1996-).
The Collegiate Basilica of San Vittore was built between the 16th and 17th centuries next to the 14th-century Baptistery of St. John. The presbytery, in Mannerist-Renaissance style, was built between 1500 and 1542, the body of the church, also in Mannerist style, was built between 1580 and 1625. Meanwhile, the construction of the Mannerist Baroque bell tower took place over a longer period between the 17th and 18th centuries, as it was erected several times. The neoclassical façade is a later work of the 18th century.
The church of the Madonnina of Prato was built between the 16th and 17th centuries and acquired its definitive Mannerist appearance in the last century. In 1722 the Baroque bell tower was added and in 1742 the sacristy was rebuilt in larger dimensions. Between 1995 and 1996, a complete restoration of the interior and exterior restored the church to its original appearance.
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