Members of the Borromeo family now reside in Milan but they maintain a baroque palace on the island as their summer home. Visitors are asked to refrain from taking photos inside the palace but I was able to photograph the family motto through an open window.
 |
| Borromeo Palace, Isola Bella |
 |
| Borromeo Family Motto: Humility |
A guide escorted us through the rooms of the palace, including the bedroom occupied by Napoleon in 1797; the ballroom where Prince Charles and Diana were entertained in 1984; and the cooling shell grotto decorated from floor to ceiling in black and white stones. Then we were free to roam the extensive gardens on our own. The first thing I noticed was the grandiose Teatro Massimo adorned with statues, obelisks and colourful flowers.
 |
| Teatro Massimo |
At the pinnacle of the Teatro Massimo is another symbol of the Borromeo family, the unicorn.
 |
| The Unicorn, Symbol of the Borromeo Family |
The terraced gardens offer lovely views of Lake Maggiore and at every turn are more flowers.
 |
| Garden of Love |
 |
| Lake Maggiore Ferry |
Visiting Isola Bella – and the Chinese white peacocks that make the gardens their home – was on my bucket list and the island was just as beautiful as I'd hoped it would be.
 |
| Chinese White Peacock |
Before exiting the gardens we had a light lunch at the outdoor Caffetteria della Torre.
 |
| Caffetteria della Torre, Isola Bella |
Refreshed and refuelled, we made our way down to the docking area where boats ferry passengers to the other islands and towns of Lake Maggiore.
 |
| Boat Dock, Isola Bella |
 |
| Isola Superiore (or Isola Pescatori) |
If you'd like to learn more about the Borromeo family history or the development of Isola Bella visit the Borromean Islands website.
Next: Italy's Champagne, Franciacorta
Related Posts:
Italian Lakes: Lago Maggiore
"P" is for Peacock
"U" is for Unicorn
Lovely pictures. So want to go back to that area and spend time.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Denise. It's a great place to slow down and relax.
DeleteMost definitely 'beautiful island' pictures. I am cruising through on the A to Z Road Trip. I hope to return to visit you again! Wonderful blog
ReplyDeleteThank you, Paula - I appreciate you stopping by.
DeleteKeeping the momentum of a-z alive with the road trip, Sandy at Bridge and Beyond
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful! Imagine having an island named after you, wow.
I'm planning to do the road trip on my weekends - I'll stop by for a visit!
Delete