palazzo borromeo a isolabella-stresa

The palace , still belonging to the Borromeo family , shows a wonderful garden as well as very well preserved rooms and halls , where important historical personages has lived or gone through , from Napoleon to many others .

Palazzo Borromeo is worth the trip but the garden area is what I think is most impressive. We enjoyed walking through the beautiful shell covered grotto of the palace but I thought the topiary, statues, and white peacocks of the property make it strikingly unique. The boat ride, tour, and gardens all contribute to making this excursion worthwhile but try and read a little about the Borromeo family history prior to your arrival because it will make this adventure all the more fascinating.

If you are really bored, the 3 minute boatride from Stresa, a little walk on the island and visit to the Palace can make you understand why the Borromeo Family build it's Palace there besides for defensive reasons. Everything is overprized and below par quality as far as food and drinks are concerned on the island. You'll go only once and it won't be a life's experience

Isola Bella Island is owned by the Borromeo family who in the 1632 commenced the construction of the palace which is immaculately maintained as are the gardens. Interior photography is not permitted. A most unusual feature is the number of large greyish-toned basement grottos completely decorated on the walls and ceilings with shells and stones. Excellent views around the lake are visible from the higher points in the garden.

Excellent guide for these islands with private boat. Guidalaghi@virgilio.it She also takes you to Isola Madre and Isol Pescatori

From Stresa catch a boat to the 3 islands and stop at the first one, IsolaBella, whose all architecture was meant to make it look like a ship.You will find the area around the deck overcrowded with souvenirs stools and a few seasonal restaurants. The island is accessible only in the summer and it hosts a stunning residence of the aristocratic Borromeo family. The Palace is perfectly kept and from the windows you will enjoy wonderful views on the lake. The central domed round room will leave you speechless for the height if the ceiling. The deep grey baroque style grottos, used to display collectors pieces of art, contrast with the blue of the water and the vivid green of the garden.The garden's most spectacular feature is the fountain's imposing background, with its bright flowers and white statues. Climb the steps and enjoy a wide terrace with views on Stresa.A great day trip from Milan.

The Palazzo Borromeo was stunning. Both the baroque palace and gardens are well worth the visit. We paid 18.50 euros/person for the double visit, which also included a visit to Palazzo Madre located on Isola Madre, also worthy of the trip.

There is already a review of this site included in my review of the island in general. Again, please make sure you visit the house and the garden; otherwise the trip is simply for shopping...

Well worth a visit. The gardens take around an hour to two hours to walk around. Plenty to photograph. Easy to get to via a water boat taxi.

We only had one day in lake Maggiore, and we decided to take the ferry to Isolabella island which is home to the Palazzo and it's gardens. Definitely worth the money. The grottos are not to be missed and the gardens are beautiful and lush. Great views from the island. Note that where the ferry dropped us off is not where it picked us up to go back to Stresa- it was at another docking area a few hundred feet away (confusing for us even with an Italian speaking person in our party).

We visited this palace and its terraced gardens by boat from Stresa. The palace is interesting, has some artifacts and shell grotto's, a puppet museum with some scary puppets on display. The terraced gardens are beautiful and typical grand Italian. Interesting to learn about the Borromeo family and the history of the area.

Palazzo Borromeo on Isolabella has all authentic furniture and a magnificient garden. A must see if you are on the Lago Maggiore.

We liked the grottoes under the palace (which was occupied by the owners when we went) and the wall hangings that are hundreds of years old. The gardens were beautiful as well but we spent too long in the palace to appreciate them

The park is very impressive and from my perspective a must see. However the ticket was really expensive. My wife decided to to visit the palazzo and the park

We went with young children and slthough there was a wait for tickets to get in, it was worth the wait. (They only had one ticket person on at the time) Lovely table settings, grand views, puppet displays, interesting grottos and a grand ball room with waltzes being played. Our children danced!