Islands in Lago Maggiore

In 1670 Count Vitaliano Borromeo started the construction of a monumental baroque palace, and began landscaping the majestic scenery of the gardens for which the Island became so famous. The stately Borromeo residence contains priceless masterpieces: tapestries, furniture, and paintings by great masters. The gardens bloom with every variety of trees and rare flowers which, in their succession of ornate terraces, provide a classic, inimitable example of the celebrated "Italian garden" of that period.

Isola Madre:

"She" is the largest of the Borromeo islands and the most characteristic one, with its atmosphere of silence, meditation and enchantment: a garden of exotic plants and flowers where white peacocks, parrots and pheasants flying in total freedom, give the carm of a tropical island. Isola Madre is particularly famous for its flourishing azaleas, rhododendrons and camelias. In 1978 the 16th century palace was opened to the public. The visit is interesting for the reconstruction of the antique interior decoration and for the liveries, dolls and ceramics collection. Exceptional exposition of "Puppet Theaters" from the 18th and 19th Centuries.

Isola dei Pescatori:

"Fishermen's Island" owes its name to the activity of its inhabitants. The fascination of this island lies in the archaic simplicity and the rustic candour of its hou ses and narrow streets. Good restaurants offer the opportunity of tasting the best fish from the lake.