Beschreibung

Isola Bella was conceived in 1650 by Count Vitaliano VI Borromeo who decided to transform a rock outcropping from the lake into a place of delight. It took four centuries to complete this magnificent work that includes the Borromeo Palace and the spectacular gardens. The site is divided between the palace and the Italian Baroque garden.

The palace

Enjoy a fascinating itinerary inside the princely residence through over 20 historic rooms including the Throne Room, Salone Nuovo, Music Room, Napoleon Room, Ballroom and Tapestry Room. A rare example of a fully preserved Baroque collection in Northern Italy is the Gallery of Paintings or of General Berthier, which houses a collection of 130 works, among which are authors such as Boltraffio, Gianpietrino, Daniele Crespi. On the lower floor, almost at lake level, are the six caves covered with pebbles, tuff, stucco and marble originally built to amaze and give refreshment to the guests of the palace.

The gardens

Famous all over the world, the gardens of Isola Bella are an important example of an Italian Baroque garden with a perfect combination of art, nature, and architecture. In the center stands the Teatro Massimo: a striking architectural construction consisting of ten terraces that form a plan adorned with fountains, obelisks and statues. It is possible to climb up to the top of the theatre on a large terrace, which, with its 37 meters of height above the lake level, is a privileged place to enjoy the panorama of the Borromeo Gulf. Since 2002, the garden of Isola Bella is part of the prestigious English circuit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

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Wichtig zu wissen

From 16 March to 26 October 2024 open every day from 10:00 to 17:00 (last entrance) - the Palace closes at 17:30 and the Gardens at 18:00
From 27 October to 3 November 2024 open every day from 10:00 to 16:00 (last entrance) - the Palace closes at 16:30 and the Gardens at 17:00
It is possible to visit Isola Bella in combination with Isola Madre and Rocca D'Angera with two types of combined tickets
Isola Bella and Isola Madre have several obstacles that may prevent access for people with motor disabilities
Animals are not allowed inside the museum and gardens. Only guide dogs for blind people are allowed
Please read the Covid Vademecum
Infants (age 0-5) can enter for free
Cafeteria and bookshop available on site

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Wegbeschreibung

Isola Bella, Lake Maggiore, 28838 Stresa VB, Italy

Treffpunkt:

How to get to Isola Bella:

By car: Autostrada dei Laghi, direction Gravellona Toce, exit Carpugnino. Follow the indications for Stresa
By boat: You can reach Isola Bella and Isola Madre from Stresa, Arona, Pallanza, Locarno, Laveno by boat or hydrofoil
By train: Ferrovie dello Stato, line Milano-Sempione, stop: Stresa, connection with the boat. Ferrovie Nord, line Milano-Laverno, stop: Laverno. You'll find the boarding point a few meters away