Palazzo Borromeo: the baroque heart of Isola Bella

Palazzo Borromeo is the result of architectural interventions carried out over several centuries — a work of magnificence in constant evolution that took shape in a monumental residence of representation. Today, it stands as a Baroque art museum housing paintings, tapestries, sculptures, furnishings, and masterpieces — all to be discovered and admired, captivated by the splendor of another era.

Proudly overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Maggiore, Palazzo Borromeo dominates Isola Bella with timeless elegance. This extraordinary Baroque building was begun in 1632, commissioned by Carlo III Borromeo as an act of love for his wife Isabella D’Adda, from whom the island takes its name. Nearly four centuries of expansion and renovation have shaped what is now one of the most fascinating historic residences in Italy.

The palace is a tribute to the Borromeo family, a noble lineage that left a profound mark on the cultural and political life of northern Italy. The rooms of the main floor tell a story of power, patronage, and refined taste: from the Salone Nuovo, with its frescoed dome, to the Throne Room, the Queen’s Chamber, and the Napoleonic Room, which still preserves the bed used by Napoleon Bonaparte during his stay.

What strikes visitors is not only the architectural magnificence but also the living atmosphere of history — a place where every detail has meaning and every corner resonates with noble memory.

The Berthier Gallery

The beating heart of Palazzo Borromeo, the Berthier Gallery is an authentic marvel for art lovers. Named after General Berthier, Napoleon’s brother-in-law, this hall hosts an extraordinary collection of over 130 paintings — an intriguing mix of originals, replicas, and ancient copies of works by Italian and European masters from the Renaissance to the Baroque.

Here, visitors can admire pieces inspired by Raphael, Titian, Correggio, Guido Reni, and many others. What makes the gallery unique is the way the paintings are displayed — tightly arranged in the style of 17th-century picture galleries, creating an intense visual impact. The Berthier Gallery is not merely an exhibition hall, but a visual narrative spanning centuries, testifying to the Borromeo family’s passion for art collecting.

The Salone Nuovo is the largest and most majestic hall in the palace: solemn and luminous, adorned with stucco and gold details on heavenly blue walls, inspired by the Church of San Lorenzo in Milan. At the top of its domed vault stands the word Humilitas, the Borromeo family motto. The hall also features four great family emblems supported by marble cherubs: the seated camel (patience), the unicorn (devotion), the horse bit (strength), and the cedar tree (symbol of the Borromean Islands).

Palazzo Borromeo: more than a museum

Unlike many historic buildings turned into museums, Palazzo Borromeo remains a living, breathing place that engages visitors in a 360-degree multisensory experience. Each room is narrated by passionate guides who turn the visit into a journey through time.

The Italian-style Baroque gardens, arranged over ten terraced levels, are a botanical and architectural marvel. Statues, fountains, obelisks, and blooming flowerbeds lead up to a breathtaking panoramic terrace overlooking Lake Maggiore. The white peacocks that roam freely have become one of the island’s icons.

At water level, visitors encounter the grottoes — designed to astonish guests and offer a cool retreat in summer. These marine-themed chambers feature walls, ceilings, and floors decorated with pebbles, shells, marble fragments, and tufa, forming intricate artistic patterns. Busts of heroes and deities, urns, porcelain, and fine objects line the path, accompanied by the gentle murmur of lake waves outside.

During the open season, the palace also hosts cultural events, classical music concerts, children’s workshops, and themed tours, ensuring every visit feels fresh and engaging. Visitors can enjoy a break at the Caffè Torre Noria, with a charming view of the lake.

The Borromeo Experience

For those seeking an even more exclusive encounter, the Private Borromeo Experience offers the ultimate way to live the magic of Palazzo Borromeo. This private visit allows guests to access the palace outside public hours, guided personally by an expert who reveals hidden details, anecdotes, and secrets.

Each experience is tailored to the visitor’s interests — art, architecture, gardens, family history, or the legends of Isola Bella. The highlight comes with a sunset aperitif served in the evocative Torre Noria: a glass in hand, the lake turning gold, and the mountains framing the island — an unforgettable, timeless moment.

How to get there and plan your visit

Palazzo Borromeo is located on Isola Bella, one of the Borromean Islands in Lake Maggiore. The island is accessible only by boat or taxi-boat from the main lake ports: Stresa, Baveno, Verbania, and Laveno.

The palace is open from late March to early November. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site, though advance booking is highly recommended during peak season. The site is partially accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, thanks to an elevator and adapted routes. Discounts are available for groups, students, and families.

 Palazzo Borromeo is more than a tourist destination — it’s a place where art meets history, and where every visitor becomes part of a living narrative amid frescoed halls and blooming gardens.

Official website: www.terreborromeo.it

Customer Service: +39 0323 933478

By Michele Spinelli