Isola Bella

TomassoRizzi's picture

Location

Lago Maggiore
Italy
45° 53' 43.0008" N, 8° 31' 37.9992" E
IT
General info: 

Looking across from Stresa to Isola Bella today it is hard to believe it was once a rocky island, home to a small community of fishermen. However until 1630 Isola Inferiore (as it was previously known) was a world away from the splendour that the Borromeo Family created.

In 1630 Carlo III Borromeo took the first steps to changing the island. He hired an architect to design a castle-type building where the palace currently stands and a more elegant casino at the highest point of the island. Carlo also decided to name the island after his wife, Isabella D’Adda, and it became known as Isola Isabella (later to be shortened to Isola Bella).

In spite of Carlo’s plans it was to be his sons, Vitaliano VI Borromeo and cardinal Giberto III Borromeo who really transformed Isola Bella. Abandoning the original architect’s plans and dropping the idea of a casino they planned the palace and gardens.

And so work began on the palace and the terraced gardens and although the palace was basically finished in 1670 and the gardens were inaugurated in 1671.

Getting there: 

There is a regular ferry service to Isola Bella from Stresa, Laveno, Pallanza and Intra. The ferry from Stresa to Isola Bella leaves frequently, roughly every half hour in summer (www.navigazionelaghi.it).

The ride is short: Isola Bella is just 5 min. from Stresa in one direction, and 5 min. from Isola Superiore in the other.

Costs: 

One-way ferry tickets from Stresa to Isola Bella cost €3.50 (from Isola Superiore it's €2; from Isola Madre it's €3.80).

Combined admission to the Borromeo Islands: You can get admission to just one island (Isola Bella is €13, Isola Madre is €11), both islands together (€18), or to both islands plus the Rocca Borromeo in Angera (€21.50 for all three; €8.50 for the castle by itself)

Interesting places nearby

The alpine skislope Zosterbach is a small secret tip for families with small children. The easy ski slope is perfect for starting winter sporters to enjoy there first skiing experiences without big risks.

Niederalpl – a ski resort which fascinates our guests since over 30 years because of its versatile landscape and the several possibilities to have a nice vacation.

Easy to reach, nestled between the Aravis and the Beaufortain ranges, near the Mont Blanc region, Notre Dame de Bellecombe offers the charm and authenticity of an alpine village, in all seasons.

The price-performance ration in the ski area Oberaudorf-Hocheck is especially favourable. And you can go skiing in Germany’s largest flood light ski area.

The ski area Obergurgl – Hochgurgl is equipped with modern snow-making equipment which guarantees reliable snow conditions throughout the season. Obergurgl lies at the end of the Gurgler Tal on 1930 m altitude.

In Oberhof situated at the „Rennsteig“, a famous Thuringian hiking path, alpine and especially cross country skiers will get their money’s worth. Two ski lifts carry you up to lots of slopes and trails suitable for any requirements.