The park includes three different areas which share the same features as far as their environment and the natural influence of the nearby lake are concerned.

Sacro Monte di Orta
(Special natural reserve)
It is situated among the green forests at the top of the hill dominating Lake Orta. The Sacro Monte counts 21 chapels built between the end of the 16th and the end of the 18th centuries with frescos and sculptures of terra cotta about the life of St. Francis. If the paintings and the sculptures are an artistic heritage and were realized by skilled artists of that period (the Fiamminghini, Cristoforo Prestinari, Dionigi Bussola, and the Morazzone), the natural aspects of the area are not less interesting. The promontory on which the Sacro Monte d'Orta rises is made up of rocks which have been modelled by the glaciers of the Quaternary period. The flora is characterized by evergreens and by some typical mountain flora like the Blueberry. Among the arboreal species there are Scotch firs, yews, ash trees, and a beautiful avenue of centuries-old hornbeams facing the lake.

Mt. Mesma
(Special natural reserve)
At the top of the mountain where you can enjoy a splendid view of the Lake Orta there is a monumental complex consisting of a convent built in the 17th century on the ruins of a 13th century castle, and by some chapels situated along the religious procession route. The area is characterized by many elements of archaeological interest with Celtic finds and materials from the Roman-Imperial and Gallic periods. The mountain slopes are rich in vegetation and in particular in chestnut trees and oaks which need requalification interventions. The presence of many evergreen plants like holly, box-tree, cherry laurel, and yew is interesting thanks to the climatic influence of the nearby lake.

Colle della Torre di Buccione
(Special natural reserve)
It is situated near Mt. Mesma and it faces the Lake Orta. The Colle della Torre di Buccione represents an aspect of the lake landscape which is particularly significant even from a forestal point of view. It has at the top a fortified tower which is interesting from the historical-architectonic point of view, the last bulwark of a castle mentioned in some documents dating back to the 13th century. On the tower of Buccione the bell signalling the dangers was situated: the last 17th century specimen is nowadays safeguarded in the garden of the Townhall of Orta.

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