Isola Madre — Attraction in Stresa

Isola Madre, at 220 m wide and 330 m long, is the largest island of the Isole Borromee archipelago which falls within the Italian part of the Alpine Lake Maggiore, in the Province of Verbano Cusio Ossola, Piedmont. The island is occupied by a number of buildings and architectural structures and is especially well known for its gardens. In the past it was known as Isola di San Vittore and later as Isola Maggiore. The available historical sources indicate that in the middle of the ninth century the island had a church, a cemetery (whose existence is recalled by the current garden's so-called 'scala dei morti', or 'Staircase of the Dead'). It is known for certain that olives were cultivated here; the produce may have been employed for sacred purposes. In 1501 Lancillotto Borromeo, one of the five children of Giovanni III Borromeo and Cleofe Pio di Carpi, introduced the cultivation of citrus fruit to the island, the plants being brought from Liguria, along with a gardener (or hortolano) to tend them. Lancillotto began the construction of the family residence on the island, which in the 1580s was extended in the Renaissance style by Renato I Borromeo. The Palazzo Borromeo was built in the sixteenth century on the remains of the early church, cemetery and perhaps castle of San Vittore (named after the martyr...

Very beautiful place, but the visit is a bit short for the price. The villa could use with more information, we don't really know what we're looking at. No time to look carefully anyway because so many people even off season (September). At the end, we waited 30min for a boat, which only a few people could get on, and then were told we had to wait another hour for the next boat!! You can't leave the queue because you'd lose your place for the next boat, there are no toilets or places to get water/food. We were very disappointed and hopped on the next boat back to mainland and didn't do the next island for fear of getting stuck again. Quite disappointing for the money. Better...

Isola Madre, part of the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore, is celebrated for its lush botanical gardens and charming historic villas. The island is home to the elegant Palazzo Borromeo, which features beautifully decorated interiors and a rich collection of art and antiques. The expansive gardens are a highlight, boasting exotic plants, vibrant flowers, and even peacocks roaming freely. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks through the serene pathways while taking in stunning views of the lake. Isola Madre offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for those...