Wander through a botanical wonderland of vibrant colors, rare blossoms and sculpted topiary at Isola Bella Botanical Garden. This pastoral sanctuary and its Baroque 17th-century palace occupy an entire island in the middle of Lake Maggiore.
Once a barren rock, this small island was transformed from the 17th century onward under the aristocratic Borromeo family. The garden is organized into terraces of flowers, ornaments, statues and fountains that descend toward the lake. As you travel by boat toward the island note how it resembles a ship floating on the water, a deliberate design feature.
At the garden's entrance pause to look at the 200-year-old camphor tree then start your stroll which will take you up to the top terrace.
Delight in elegantly manicured lawns, creative landscaping and flowerbeds filled with brightly colored plant varieties all set beneath statues of deities and cherubs. Visit the Garden of Love for its geometric hedges and study the floral version of the Borromeo family’s emblem on one of the lawns. Look up at the impressive Teatro Massimo. This multi-level amphitheater of sculptures, niches and reliefs is the garden's centerpiece. Take in beautiful views of the lake and the jagged peaks of the Swiss Alps from the upper terraces.
While you are here, go on a self-guided or paid guided tour of the garden's four-story palazzo. Step inside grand salons and view silk and gold tapestries, paintings and suits of armor. Go down into the elaborately decorated grottos for more art treasures. See the room where Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife once stayed.
This botanical treasure is located on the western side of Lake Maggiore, directly opposite the town of Stresa. Reach it by taking a boat from Stresa or from other lakeside towns such as Arona, Pallanza and Locarno. Isola Bella Botanical Garden is open every day from March through October. An admission fee is charged with discounts for children and family tickets. There is free entrance for children under the age of 6. Consider purchasing a combined ticket that includes the gardens of Isola Madre and Rocca di Angera.
