Le Borromean Islands are a small lake archipelago located in the Lake Maggiore. Three pearls set in the point of the lake where they overlook Stresa e Pallanza: Isola Madre, theBeautiful island and the Isola dei Pescatori. TheIsland of San Giovanni, located a short distance from the shore and lo Rock of Malghera. Despite being small, each of them can boast its history and enchant with its beauty.
The Borromean Islands, the largest is Isola Madre
THEItaly it is a country that never ceases to amaze. The Borromean Islands give beauty to Lake Maggiore. Let's start fromIsola Madre. The presence of a church dedicated to St. Victor, gave the first name to the island; it was later renamed Island Mother for its size: it is the largest in the archipelago.
Much of its territory is green and colored according to the seasons. About the great garden which occupies a large part of its surface. Already in the past centuries the island was cultivatedolive, vines and citrus fruits. Today, especially in spring, it looks like an extraordinary treasure chest. It offers a truly fascinating sight. However, history also flows on the island. In the XNUMXth century the Palazzo Borromeo. What makes these places particularly beautiful is perhaps the fact that they are lake islands. They are reflected in the sweet waters of Lake Maggiore. They can be reached from various locations located on the shores of the lake, such as laveno, Stresa e Pallanza.
Isola Bella
In the first half of the seventeenth century, work began on the island that will lead to the Palace and the garden that can be admired today. Over the course of time, the Borromeo family gave birth to a great one project.
Observed from afar, the Palace appears as if suspended over the water. Among its rooms are hidden great art treasures. It is difficult to think that until the XNUMXth century, only a few fishermen lived on the island; the Borromeo family, who became its owners, then transformed this jewel into the lake, making it a real paradise. The civilians architectures of the Palazzo flank and harmonize perfectly with the majestic Italian garden. Like Isola Madre, it shows its natural beauty in every season. Art and nature coexist perfectly in a microworld to be discovered.
The Island of Fishermen
Isola dei Pescatori is part of the Municipality of Stresa. It is occupied by a graceful village which, albeit by few people, is inhabited all year round.
The image presented to the visitor's eyes is that of a pretty village, with its square, its alleys, its everyday life. The name evokes the vocation that characterized it in the past. In the summer season, it becomes an ideal place to enjoy pleasant walks. In the inhabited area there is the church of San Vittore. The current denomination acquired it only in the first half of the seventeenth century when it was elevated to the parish of the town. Originally, however, it was a small XNUMXth century chapel.
Fishing and tourism they represent the main resources for the inhabitants. Suggestive is the party that takes place in August. On this occasion, the Madonna of the Assumption is carried in procession around the island: the tour is done on the illuminated boats.
