Borromean Islands: The Jewels of Lake Maggiore

Usually — and somewhat predictably — when people think of an island, their minds immediately go to Sicily, Sardinia, or Capri, forgetting about other true corners of paradise. Among these lesser-known gems are certainly the Borromean Islands, a stunning archipelago that rises from the great tourist basin of Lake Maggiore.

Yes, you heard that right: there can indeed be islands within a lake — and these islands blend the beauty of nature with the power of artistic and political history.

Let’s discover together the Borromean Islands!

Borromean Islands: An Archipelago Rich in History

The expressive and natural grandeur of the Borromean Islands has been celebrated since the 17th century. Back then, the great noble families of Lombardy — especially the Visconti and the Borromeo — would come to Lake Maggiore to spend their holidays.

The islands have also attracted visitors of great renown: they were long a favorite destination of the British Royal Family, hosted the composer Arturo Toscanini, and served as a beloved retreat for the writer Ernest Hemingway. This fame is due to their ability to mirror both natural beauty and historical depth.

In particular, the Borromeo family was responsible for building monumental palaces and preserving the medieval ruins that already existed on the islands.

The Borromean Archipelago includes Isola Bella, Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isolino di San Giovanni. Of these, Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and the Castles of Cannero remain property of the Borromeo family.

Isola Bella

Isola Bella is without doubt the most enchanting of the Borromean Islands. Not only is it surrounded by extraordinary natural scenery, but it is also dominated by the magnificent Borromeo Palace, a true jewel of Italian architecture.

Construction of the Borromeo Palace began in the 1600s and was completed in 1948, after nearly four centuries of work. Inside are artworks of inestimable value: the Berthier Gallery houses 130 paintings, mostly 17th-century copies of masterpieces by Raphael, Correggio, and Titian.

The Palace’s Grottoes are particularly striking. Built in full Baroque style, they were designed to impress visitors by immersing them in a magical marine atmosphere, creating dazzling scenic and pictorial effects.

Equally astonishing are the Palace Gardens, home to the open-air Teatro Massimo, the most important monument on the island. Statues, obelisks, and fountains blend harmoniously with lush vegetation across ten scenic terraces, crowned by the Unicorn statue, the Borromeo family’s heraldic symbol.

All around the theatre blooms a profusion of rare plants: the century-old camphor tree, the giant Gunnera manicata (whose leaves can reach two meters in diameter), the fragrant Olea fragrans, the rare Halesia diptera with snow-like blossoms, star anise, and the Mexican pine.

Isola Madre

The true green heart of the Borromean Islands is Isola Madre, the first Borromeo settlement and home to a one-of-a-kind botanical garden.

Thanks to expert gardeners, the island showcases a majestic concentration of rare and often endangered plant species. You’ll find everything from lotus flowers to bougainvillea, palms, banana trees, eucalyptus, citrus blossoms, wisteria, and camellias, all in perfect harmony with colorful birds.

The island’s true symbol, however, is the Kashmir Cypress. Planted in 1862 from a seed cone brought from Tibet, this towering tree is one of the few surviving specimens of its kind — and one of the most beautiful trees in the world. Its long history has made it the emblem of Isola Madre.

Isola dei Pescatori

Isola dei Pescatori — also known as Isola Superiore — is the only Borromean Island that is permanently inhabited. It is also the only one that has never belonged to the Borromeo family.

Seven centuries ago, it was a small fishing village. With Italy’s post-war economic boom (1950s–1970s), it transformed into a beloved tourist attraction. During the day, it’s bustling with thousands of visitors; by night, only about fifty residents remain.

Church of San Vittore

The village features a small square surrounded by narrow alleys and multi-storey houses built to make the most of limited space. Most homes have long balconies once used to dry freshly caught fish.

A true gem is the Church of San Vittore, dating back to the 11th century, adorned with 16th-century frescoes and chosen by many couples as a dream wedding venue with breathtaking lake views.

On Ferragosto (August 15th), the island hosts a traditional illuminated boat procession, during which the statue of the Virgin Mary is carried around the island by fishing boats. During Carnival, locals gather along the shore for a festive banquet featuring polenta and a good glass of wine.

Faced with such beauty, it’s impossible not to want to visit and experience the Borromean Islands — timeless jewels set in the crystal waters of Lake Maggiore.

Photo credit: Isole Borromee