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Isola Madre

The Secret Garden of the Borromean Islands

Isola Madre is the largest and most picturesque of the Borromean Islands, a true botanical garden suspended over Lake Maggiore. Known for its intimate atmosphere and extraordinary variety of plant species, this island is an oasis of peace and beauty, where exotic plants, rare flowers, and free-roaming animals create a unique and magical environment.

The Borromeo Palace: Elegance and Historic Collections

At the center of the island stands the Borromeo Palace, an elegant family residence that preserves fascinating testimonies of the past. Inside, visitors can admire:

  • Frescoed halls and period furnishings, evoking the aristocratic life of times past.
  • A collection of 18th-century puppets and puppet theaters, one of the richest and most curious in Europe.
  • Paintings, porcelain, and historic furniture, telling the long history of the Borromeo family.

The Botanical Garden: A Triumph of Colors and Scents

The true star of Isola Madre is its English-style botanical garden, considered one of the most beautiful and diverse in Italy. Thanks to a particularly mild microclimate, the island hosts tropical and rare plants from all over the world. Among the botanical wonders are:

  • The Kashmir cypress, a unique centuries-old specimen in Europe.
  • Azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and magnolias, which explode in color in spring.
  • Exotic plants, such as giant bamboo and banana trees.

Among the pathways and flowered terraces, it’s easy to encounter white peacocks, golden pheasants, and colorful parrots, living freely and adding a fairy-tale touch to the island.

How to Visit Isola Madre

Isola Madre is only accessible by boat from the main ports of Lake Maggiore, such as Stresa, Baveno, and Verbania. For a complete experience, you can combine the visit with Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori, thus discovering all the wonders of the Borromean Islands.

If you love nature, tranquility, and historic gardens, Isola Madre is an unmissable stop, where time seems to stand still among flowers, ancient trees, and breathtaking views of the lake.