Idyllic, picturesque and magical are words that best describe Stresa and Lake Maggiore.
Situated in the north-west, Lake Maggiore is Italy’s second largest lake and crosses the border into Switzerland. The Italian part of the lake lies within two regions: Piedmont and Lombardy, with the division from Sesto Calende northwards. The lake contains 11 islands, the most famous being the Borromean Islands in the gulf between Stresa and Verbania.
Arriving for the first time in Stresa, tourists are offered a breathtaking spectacle; superb views from the Lungolago, the road along the lake lined with palm trees, spectacular gardens, and the facades of majestic hotels. And across the lake, emerging from the waters are three enchanting islands, Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori. These are the Isole Borromee - this vision alone is enough to make anyone understand why Stresa is so special.
Since the nineteenth century, Lake Maggiore has been a holiday destination of choice for travellers from all around the world. It is a place where art and nature coexist, where warm hospitality, cultural and artistic events throughout the year offer entertainment and activities for all.
The heart and soul of Stresa, and symbolic of its vitality, is without a doubt the vast, tree-lined Piazza Marconi at the Imbarcadero and the beautiful Neoclassical-style buildings. There is the parish of Sant’Ambrogio, and the celebrated Villa Ducale, built in 1770 and today a centre of Rosminiani studies. Then there is the modern Palazzo dei Congressi and in contrast, the 18th century Villa Pallavicino, with the splendours of its centuries-old park, rich with plants and now transformed into a unique zoological garden.
There is something for everyone in Stresa and along the shores of Lake Maggiore, with Stresa, unquestionably, the pearl of the lake.
ISOLA BELLA
In 1670 Count Vitalino Borromeo began construction of his monumental baroque palace and the planning of the majestic scenic gardens that have since brought such fame to the island and that, still today, are constant reminders of the splendour of that era. The residence contains priceless works of art, tapestries, furniture and sculptures. The gardens are overflowing with countless varieties of rare plants and flowers and ornate tiers of terraces; they are a classic and breathtaking example of an Italian garden from that time. Isola Bella has restaurants and shops to enjoy during your visit.
ISOLA DEI PESCATORI
The Fishermen’s Island certainly takes its name from the main occupation of its inhabitants. Rustic treasures and simple pleasures await here as you wander among the charmingly quaint houses and explore the narrow alleyways. But best of all are the restaurants, offering the opportunity to taste the freshest fish from the lake.
ISOLA MADRE
Isola Madre is the largest of the Borromean islands and the one with the most enchanting atmosphere. Here, living freely among gardens filled with rare plants and flowers you will find exotic white peacocks and several varieties of parrots and pheasants. It is a magical world, especially so in the spring with the blooming of the azalea, camellia and rhododendron gardens. Since 1978, the 16th century palace has been open to the public. Browse through the reconstructed rooms, marvel at the collections of family costumes, dolls and porcelain and don’t miss the display of puppet theatres from the 18th and 19th centuries.
