BORROMEAN Islands - Italy

Описание: The Borromean Islands (Isole Borromee) are a stunning group of three small islands and two islets located in the western arm of Lago Maggiore (Lake Maggiore) in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, between the towns of Verbania and Stresa.

They are a major tourist attraction, famous for their picturesque setting, luxurious palaces, and elaborate botanical gardens, which were created and maintained by the aristocratic Borromeo family, who have owned most of them since the 16th century.

The most famous islands are:

1. Isola Bella (Beautiful Island)
Key Features: This is perhaps the most famous and admired of the islands. It was a barren rock until the 17th century when Charles III Borromeo began a colossal project to transform it into an impressive architectural and horticultural masterpiece dedicated to his wife, Isabella d'Adda (hence the name "Bella").

The Palace: The island is dominated by the spectacular Palazzo Borromeo, a prime example of Lombard Baroque architecture. The palace features grand halls, a Neoclassical ballroom, a music room, and, most inventively, six natural grottos decorated with dark- and light-colored pebbles and shells, reflecting nautical themes.

The Gardens: The Baroque Italian gardens are laid out across ten terraces that form a truncated pyramid. They are ornamented with balustrades, statues, and exotic plants, culminating in the Teatro Massimo, an amphitheater-like structure that offers an impressive panoramic view of the lake and surrounding mountains. White peacocks roam freely in the gardens.

The Design: The entire palace and garden complex was designed to resemble an imaginary ship, with the dock as the prow, the palace as the main deck, and the raised terrace as the bridge.

2. Isola Madre (Mother Island)
Key Features: This is the largest of the Borromean Islands and was the first one acquired by the Borromeo family in the early 16th century. It is known primarily as a "paradise for nature and garden lovers."

The Gardens: It is famous for its magnificent English-style botanical gardens, considered one of the finest examples of topiary art in the world. The gardens host a rich variety of flora, including the first camellias on the lake, and diverse species of free-roaming birds, such as white peacocks and golden pheasants.

The Palace: The 16th-century palace is less grand than the one on Isola Bella but is splendidly furnished with 16th- to 19th-century Italian masterpieces and paintings.

3. Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen's Island)
Key Features: Also known as Isola Superiore, this is the only island in the archipelago that is permanently inhabited and was never owned by the Borromeo family.

The Village: It retains the authentic atmosphere of a traditional fishing village with narrow, charming alleyways and a small market selling local artisan wares.

Culture: The island is a popular spot for lunch and exploring, and on August 15th (Ferragosto), it hosts an evocative traditional procession of illuminated fishing boats carrying the Statue of Mary Assumed around the island.

Other Islands
Isolino di San Giovanni: A small island located off Pallanza (part of Verbania). It is privately owned by the Borromeo family and is not open to the public. It was the residence of the famous Italian orchestra conductor Arturo Toscanini for 25 years.

Scoglio della Malghera: A tiny, uninhabited rock located between Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori.

Visiting the Islands
The most popular gateway to the Borromean Islands is the town of Stresa, from where you can take a public ferry or small motorboat service to all the major islands. The islands are often visited together as a day trip.

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