Isola Bella
In 1670 Count Vitaliano Borromeo started construction
of the monumental baroque palace, and began
to landscape the majestic scenery of the gardens
for which the Island became so famous, and
which today still bear witness of the splendours
of that bygone age. 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. Restaurant and Shops.
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 houses and narrow street. Good restaurants offer the opportunity of tasting the best fish from the lake. Shops.
Isola Madre
Is the largest of the Borromeo islands and
the most characteristic one, with its atmosphere
of the silence, meditation and enchantment:
a garden of exotic plants and flowers where
white peacocks, parrots and pheasants, flying
in total freedom, give the charm of a tropical
island. Isola Madre is particularly famous
for its flourishing azaleas, rhododendrons
and camellias. 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 collections. Exceptional exposition
of “Puppet Theaters” from the 18th and 19th
Centuries.
