Tour of the Borromeo Islands: Isola Madre
The largest and perhaps the most characteristic of the three islands in the Gulf of Borromeo on Italy’s Lake Maggiore.
The island got its name (madre in Italian for “mother”) because of its larger size than the others, originally it was simply called the Big Island. Owned by the Borromeo family since 1501, the island captivates visitors with its incomparable atmosphere.
This palace displays furniture from the historic residences of the Borromeo family and has several beautiful rooms such as the Dolls’ Room, the Seasons Room and a room dedicated to the Puppet Theatre. The main pride of the palace is the ancient Marionette Theatre. The rich collection of puppets, sets and costumes, which has now become a museum, will be interesting to see for both children and adults. The atmosphere of this enchanting place is magical.
There is something of the charm of a tropical land in its huge garden with rare trees and exotic flowers, where peacocks and pheasants roam and wavy parrots fly free.
The English-style Isola Madre Garden, created in the early IXX century on an area of almost eight hectares, constantly amazes with its plants. It is known for the amazing spectacle of flowering plants.
While the neighbouring island Isola Bella (“Beautiful Island”) is the fruit of years of effort to “tame” nature, a kind of open-air theatre, here nature is given complete freedom. This fabulous piece of land has been transformed into a garden of paradise since the IXX century, where more than 200 species of plants from all over the world have taken up residence. Among them are such rare specimens as soap tree, wax tree, Tibetan shawl tree (named so because of the shape of its leaves). Each season is marked by its own blossoming: in spring camellias, of which there are more than 150 species, azaleas and rhododendrons, bloom, in summer oleanders, geraniums, lavender and asters, orchids bloom, and trees dress in autumn attire. The island has a very special microclimate, with temperatures 4 degrees higher than elsewhere on the lake.
The largest specimen of Kashmir cypress in Europe, superb lime and lemon trees, a marvellous collection of hibiscus and gingko biloba can be found here.
Isola Madre will leave you with memories of manicured lawns, trees and flowers, as well as beautifully designed interiors of a quality that will satisfy the most discerning visitor.
The island is accessible by public boats from Stresa, Baveno, Verbania and Arona.
