Tour of the Borromean Islands: Fishermen’s Island
The tiniest island of the Borromean archipelago, Isola dei Pescatori or Fishermen’s Island, is part of the world-famous archipelago located on Lake Lago Maggiore.
The tiny island, which measures 375 metres long and about 100 metres wide and is sometimes called Superiore, is the northernmost of the three main islands of the archipelago and the only one inhabited throughout the year. About 30 people live on the island permanently.
It lacks the lush gardens and palaces of which its more famous brethren are rightly proud. But this tiny piece of land has its own interesting features. It was the first island to be settled by humans. From the very beginning the main trade of its inhabitants was fishing, which determined the name of the island. They say that even its shape, narrow and elongated, resembles a fish.
It won’t take long to walk around the island, but we advise you to do it. There is plenty of colour here.
In the small streets you can see fishing gear hanging from the facades. Far from being fake, they are in daily use. Despite the fact that the people of Isola dei Pescatori are faithful to their ancestral fishing, tourism is their main source of income.
The main attraction of Isola dei Pescatori is the church of San Vittore, dedicated to the Christian martyr Victor Moor. The church preserves the apse of an ancient chapel built for the monks of the Scozzola Abbey in the 11th century. Later the chapel was rebuilt in Gothic style, and in 1627 the new church was consecrated in honour of St. Victor. The church has preserved 16th century frescoes and a 17th century throne with busts of four bishops – St Ambrosius of Milan, St Gaudenzio of Novara, St Francesco of Sales and St Charles Borromeo. Narrow, cobbled streets “running” between the houses of the locals take you deep into the interior of the island. Once again, they present the simple gear used by local fishermen in their daily trade. One of the gently sloping streets leads down to a small beach from which you can see the most beautiful of the Borromean islands, Isola Bella.
You can find a nice place for lunch. Local restaurants are very popular, specializing, of course, in fish dishes. Many people come here specifically to enjoy good cuisine and a romantic atmosphere.
The streets off the promenade are quiet and deserted. The few inhabitants of Isola dei Pescatori honour the traditions of their ancestors. In August, for example, they celebrate the Feast of Ferragosto, during which a procession of illuminated fishing boats carries a statue of the Virgin Mary around the island.
