Isola Bella

If you're able, come to this treasure. The gardens equal the interior in beauty and wonder.

I've been to the Palace of Versailles near Paris in the last century, and now Palazzo Borromeo, a grand palace shaped like a castle surrounded by a beautiful lake. We took a ferry from Baveno, Italy to Isola Bella, an island in Lago Maggiore, second largest lake in Italy, bordering on Switzerland, and the Swiss Alps, at the height of the heat wave in Europe in July. Starting in 1670, it took four centuries to complete the Palazzo Borromeo, and the surrounding gardens. The palace includes the Throne and Queens rooms, the Napoleon's Room, the Gallery of General Berthier with a collection of 130 paintings. On a lower floor, six grottoes were built to keep cool from summer heat. Yes, Napoleon did stay overnight here, along with his entourage of several dozen of his officers, who managed to make a big disarray of their overnight accomodations before leaving. Imagine having to prepare a meal fit for a king on one days notice. The gardens include the Teatro Massimo at the center, ten terraces in the shape of a truncated pyramid. We checked out the the monumental unicorn, the obelisks, the statues, the two towers and other architectural elements, as well as the camphor and citrus trees, and the collections of roses, rhododendrons and camellias. We spent much of our time trying to chase down the magnificent white peacocks around the grounds, for that classic picture shot. Just like my cat, the peacocks never obey me, and never did spread their feathers in full spread.

So glad that this was part of our tour. The local tour guide was very knowledgeable. A beautiful place especially the white peacocks- they're exquisite

It is unique island series own Borromean family. Isola Bella (Lago Maggiore) has palace like building and a lot room and reception hall. Now it is a tourist visit place by boat. If you come to Stresa, this is must visit island. The house is build in two phases. One side build in early 1600 and the other side late 16th century. I like several rooms in the building. The conversation room has a table in the center. This table has flower pattern make from the tiny Murano mosaic glass. Each piece color is special make to join becomes the table flower pattern. The ground floor grotto has nice stone piece and breezy for cool summer night. The back of building is the garden. It is an Italian garden with step up building. In the garden has the rare white peacock walking around. You may catch a chance and to see their feathers fully open. And they like Britney Spear love you to take it picture.

Wow this palace and its grounds and spectacular gardens are just beautiful! We'll kept up and the views are awesome from every where. Our tour guide is so knowledgeable and explained all there is to know about the palace which the residents still live in today on the top floors. Large celebrations are held here still today. The stucco art rooms are stunning, the marble floors and columns are beautiful. The grotte's ( caves) were used to get enjoy and get cooled off in as the palace has no air conditioning in the summer. Palace closes in November and opens in the spring for guests. Enjoy a seat in the garden for a quick lunch or just a cafe or drink.

Very nice and small island that Must be visited as part Of the lovely and cultural places in the area