Acquired by the Borromeo family, who originated from San Miniato, starting in the 14th century, this archipelago covers just 50 acres (20 hectares) but holds such architectural and botanical significance that The New York Times named it one of the ten most fascinating places in the world in 2019. The Borromean Islands sit in the western arm of Lake Maggiore, between Verbania to the north and Stresa to the south.
What to see
The group comprises three small islands, one islet, and a single rock. Isola Bella, named for Countess Isabella Borromeo, was originally a barren stone outcrop until Count Carlo III began building improvements between 1629 and 1652. His son, Vitaliano VI, later constructed a summer palace and brought in vast quantities of soil to engineer an elaborate ten-terrace garden. Inside the unfinished palace, visitors find paintings by Lombard artists and Flemish tapestries. The surrounding garden is designed for year-round blooms, featuring a rotating display of roses, orchids, magnolias, orchards, azaleas, gardenias, and wisteria. Isola Madre, the largest island, is defined by its English-style gardens maintained since 1823. Oriental birds, including white peacocks, golden pheasants, and parrots, roam freely among the grounds. Its uninhabited palace contains beautifully furnished rooms holding 16th- to 19th-century Italian masterpieces. Isola dei Pescatori (or Isola Superiore) is the only permanently inhabited island, characterized by a historic fishing village that recorded a population of 208 in 1971. Rounding out the archipelago are the Isolino di San Giovanni, located just off Pallanza to the north, and the tiny rock of Malghera. Measuring only 200 square metres between Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori, Malghera features bushy vegetation and a small beach. Across the islands, the meticulously planned landscapes include over 2,000 plant varieties.
Visiting
The Borromeo family still owns Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and San Giovanni today, along with the medieval ruins of the Castelli di Cannero elsewhere on the lake. The two "sister" islands serve as the primary destinations for those exploring the historic palaces and gardens, while Isola dei Pescatori provides a look at a working, albeit small, island community.
Our editors' tip
Pay close attention to the botanical planning on Isola Bella: the terraces are engineered so that among the thousands of species, flowers rotate continuously, meaning you will encounter blooming orchids, bulbs, or azaleas regardless of the season.