Borromean Islands

The Borromean Islands are a group of five islands in Lake Maggiore in northern Italy. They are a popular tourist destination for their natural beauty, historical and artistic heritage, and scenic gardens. Here is some information that might help you plan your visit:-

The three main islands are Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori. They can be reached by passenger ships from various towns around the lake, such as Stresa, Verbania, and Baveno.

Isola Bella – is named after the wife of Carlo III Borromeo, Isabella d’Adda, who transformed the island into a baroque palace and garden in the 17th century. You can admire the richly decorated rooms, the grottoes covered with shells and stones, and the terraced garden with statues, fountains, and exotic plants. The island also hosted famous guests such as Napoleon Bonaparte and Mussolini.

Isola Madre – is the largest and oldest of the islands. It is known for its botanical garden, which features over 2,000 different species of plants, including rare and tropical ones. You can also see a collection of birds, such as white peacocks, golden pheasants, and parrots, that live freely in the garden. The island also has a 16th-century palace with paintings, tapestries, and furniture.

Isola dei Pescatori (or Isola Superiore) – is the only island that is permanently inhabited by locals. It has a charming fishing village with narrow streets, stone houses, and a Romanesque church. You can enjoy the authentic atmosphere and taste the local cuisine, based on fresh fish from the lake.

The other two islands are Isola di San Giovanni and Rocca di Malghera. They are not open to the public, but you can see them from the boat or from the shore. Isola di San Giovanni is where the composer Arturo Toscanini lived for several years in the 1930s. Rocca di Malghera is a small rock with the ruins of two medieval fortifications.

Isola Pescatori