The Borromeo Palace in front of Pallanza

Atlas of Beauty /

ArtStoryTerritorial Development, Trails

The islands are the ancient estate of the Borromeo family. The palace was built on Isola Bella, a dedication to Isabella d'Adda, in Lake Maggiore in front of Pallanza. The islands and the Borromeo Palace are still owned by the family, which is actively working to transform its heritage into a leading tourist destination, a synthesis of culture, tourism, gastronomy and fashion. The palace is a 17th century building of great monumentality, built on the rock of the island in the shape of a vessel. Construction began in 1632 with contributions from Filippo Cagnola and Carlo Fontana. The palace is surrounded by immense, lush Italian-style gardens that extend to the tip of the island on the lake. The Borromeos, a family of Tuscan origin, found refuge here on their way from Florence when the city was shaken by Ghibelline revolts. The palace was born as a holiday building and as a place of representation for illustrious guests; it was frequented by Napoleon, Dumas father and Stendhal. It has an important picture gallery of works from the 17th and 18th centuries.