We visited two of three islands in Lake Maggiore, collectively known as the Borromean Islands, during our stay in Arona and Angera.
Our first visit was to Isola Pescatori, which has existed as a tiny fishing village for the majority of its history. It is the only one of the Borromean Islands to be permanently inhabited, currently with a population of 25.
The second Island we visited was Isola Bella. Originally named Isola di Sotto, the small island and fishing village was renamed after Carlo III, of the Borromeo family, built an extensive palace for his wife, Isabella D’Adda in 1632. Carlo’s ancestors added extensive gardens and expanded the palace over the next century. The island played host to many of the 17th and 18th century social elites, including Napoleon and his wife Joséphine de Beauharnais, and Caroline of Brunswick, the Princess of Wales.
Here’s a galley of pictures from our visits:
