If Lago Maggiore is among the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, it owes it also - or above all - to the shocking beauty of the Borromean Islands, so much so that in 2019 The New York Times listed them among the 10 most fascinating places in the world.
Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Bella are authentic pearls suspended on the water. Today we are going to the discover Isola Bella, still owned by the Borromeo family, which rises 400 meters off the coast of Stresa. An extra-small island (measuring 320 meters long by 180 wide) but a must visit for more than one valid reason. What shall I visit at Isola Bella Lago Maggiore?" We have created a route in 5 stages, one more exciting than the other.
Our trip starts from Stresa, a natural gateway to Isola Bella. From here, in fact, the boats depart and in a few minutes take tourists every day to discover the islet. However, it would be a real shame not to enjoy the atmosphere of this town: its lakefront is enchanting, as is the cozy old town, full of cafes and clubs from which to admire the vitality of the town.
Stresa is also famous for the variety and beauty of its homes: those looking for houses for sale in Stresa will certainly find something worth the trip. Like this refined penthouse a few steps from the center which has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
This little village was born as a real fishing village and still today offers sensations out of time. It will be its narrow alleys, the stairways, the colorful and lovingly maintained houses, the glimpses of the lake from every corner: everything contributes to creating a postcard seaside village.
Today the inhabitants are only 36, but you will hardly find a deserted Isola Bella, indeed.
Much of the island is occupied by Palazzo Borromeo and its gardens, from the seventeenth-century. The palace is characterized by a T-shaped plan and welcomes visitors with its imposing 80-meter façade. The visit offers different scenographic environments: the Hall of Honor, which is spread over two floors and with a domed roof, is beautiful, as is the enchanting ballroom.
Noteworthy is the Gallery of tapestries, and even more the Gallery of paintings (or of General Berthier, from the name of the collector) which can count on 130 canvases of the highest value, with works by Raffaello, Tiziano, Correggio and Guido Reni. On the ground floor, finally, one is enchanted by the "caves", that is the rooms entirely covered with black and white stones, shells and splinters of tuff.
In short: do you want to know what to see at Isola Bella on Lago Maggiore? You start from Palazzo Borromeo to take a dip between nature and art.
The most famous part of Palazzo Borromeo, however, are its gardens, the most shining example of an Italian baroque garden that can be admired. This extraordinary result is a combination of factors: ample credit goes to the skilful architecture, amplified by the natural context of the lake, but also to the ideal microclimate that offers greenery and spectacular blooms, as well as to an obsessive care that has lasted for centuries.
The visit winds through fountains, stairways, botanical gardens, statues, ancient trees, flowerbeds with well-designed geometries. All conceived as a theatrical journey in which to get lost and be amazed continuously.
Finally, the most famous attraction is missing from the entry “Isola Bella Lago Maggiore what to see”, the grand finale that leaves everyone breathless.
It is the famous Teatro Massimo, the heart of the gardens of Palazzo Borromeo. A pyramidal structure unique in the world, made up of three floors and ten spectacular terraces, adorned with statues depicting mythological subjects and shells, whose top is the majestic statue of the Unicorn, heraldic symbol of the Borromeo family.
The island is not huge, you can easily visit it in an afternoon. For the more enthusiastic who plan instead of admiring it 365 days a year, there are splendid houses for sale Lago Maggiore Stresa that directly overlook this natural islet. Would you like to know more? Ask Engel & Völkers.
Lun - Ven 9/13 - 14/18 Sab 9/13 Domenica - Su appuntamento
Mon - Fri 9/13 - 14/18 Sat 9/13 Sunday - On appointment
Mo - Fr 9/13 - 14/18 Sa 9/13 Sonntag - Nach Vereinbarung