Isola Bella Lake Maggiore

On the splendid Lake Maggiore in northern Italy, just 400 meters from the coastal town of Stresa, lies a picturesque island-castle, an island-park. The entire modest area of Isola Bella (Beautiful Island) is occupied by the palace and park complex of Count Borromeo.

When Count Vitaliano VI Borromeo embarked on the construction of the palace and park complex in 1632, which would later become famous, Isola Bella (Italian for “Beautiful Island”) was a small rocky islet on Lake Maggiore inhabited by fishermen. The palace was intended as a gift for Countess Isabella, the count’s wife, yet construction stretched over decades: the southern façade of the palace was only completed in 1958. The palace and gardens were originally conceived as a unified composition, transforming the island into a sort of ship with an estate at the bow and a garden at the stern.

Presently, the Borromeo palace houses a museum open to tourists. Many rooms of the grand estate are adorned with tapestries, fine furniture, sculptures, paintings, intricate plasterwork, and mosaics.

Of historical interest is the Music Room, where the Stresa Conference took place in 1935 with the participation of British Prime Minister James MacDonald, French Foreign Minister Pierre Laval, Italian leader Benito Mussolini, as well as Napoleon’s Chamber, where the great commander and his wife Josephine spent the night in 1797. The caves beneath the palace captivate with their unusual décor of shells and unique plasterwork. Art enthusiasts will also find the General Berthier Gallery intriguing, housing a collection of 130 paintings from the Borromeo family.

Adjacent to the palace is a garden considered Italy’s finest example of a Baroque garden, featuring multi-tiered, elaborately adorned terraces, niches, and fountains. Among rare plant species, including exotic ones, white peacocks with marvelous plumage can be observed here.

Talented master gardeners tend to the garden, having developed a planting and care system that ensures blossoming from March to October.

Visiting Season: Isola Bella is accessible daily from March 22 to October 19, 2014.

Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry). The General Berthier Gallery is open from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM (last entry at 1:00 PM) and from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM).

Ticket Prices: €13 for adults, €6.5 for children aged 6 to 15, free admission for children under 6. Adult groups of 18 or more – €10 per person, children’s groups – €5.50 per person. You can always check the current ticket prices on the official website: www.isoleborromee.it/it/home/viaggio

Getting to Isola Bella

By Car: Take the Lakes Highway (Autostrada dei Laghi) and choose the direction towards Gravellona Toce. After exiting at Carpugnino, follow the signs to Stresa. You can find the most favorable car rental option in Italy using the auto.italy4.me search engine.

By Boat: You can easily reach Isola Bella by boat from cities like Stresa, Arona, Pallanza, Locarno, Laveno, and more. Many companies operate on Lake Maggiore, offering passenger transport services at any time of the day and in any direction. Additional information can be found on the website www.navigazionelaghi.it.

By Train: The State Railway (Ferrovie dello Stato), Milano-Sempione line, has a station in Stresa. From there, you can take a boat. The Northern Railway (Ferrovie Nord), Milano-Laveno line, has a station in Laveno, and a short distance from it is the boarding point for the boat. Check out an interesting video about the island and the lake:

Things to Know about Isola Bella

Interesting Facts about Isola Bella

1. The captivating island of Isola Bella, situated in Lake Maggiore, Northern Italy, boasts a history dating back to the early 17th century. Its transformation from barren rock to a stunning palace garden complex began in 1632.
2. In 1671, Carlo III of the influential Borromeo family acquired Isola Bella, turning it into a horticultural masterpiece. The palace and terraced gardens are adorned with impressive sculptures, rare plants, and vibrant flowers.
3. The palace’s ornate interiors reflect Baroque and Rococo styles, featuring intricate tapestries, frescoes, and elegant furnishings. This opulent residence offers visitors a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Italian nobility.
4. Isola Bella’s “Floating Garden” is a remarkable landscaping feat, boasting ten terraces adorned with exotic flora. The tiers, each with a unique theme, create a breathtaking vertical garden overlooking the lake’s azure waters.
5. One of the most fascinating aspects of Isola Bella is its captivating white peacocks. Introduced to the island in the 18th century, these majestic birds roam the gardens freely, adding an enchanting and exotic touch to this already magical place.