Isole Borromee Isole Borromee
  • ABOUT US
  • Love, protection and respect
    that has lasted for six centuries

The history

For around six centuries the history of the Borromeo Family has been interwoven with that of Lago Maggiore.

 

The purchase of the Rocca di Angera in 1449 and of the first area of land on Isola Madre in 1501 marked the beginning of a unique relationship with these locations, which still have a great value today.

1439 - Rocca di Arona 1439 - Rocca di Arona

ROCCA DI ARONA

Acquisition of Rocca

Filippo Maria Visconti transferred the Rocca di Arona, together with the entire Comune, as a fiefdom to Vitaliano I Borromeo. For a good four centuries the fortress remained in the hands of the Borromeo family, and it was even the birthplace of future Cardinal San Carlo Borromeo.

1519 - Castles of Cannero 1519 - Castles of Cannero

CASTELLI DI CANNERO

Lodovico Borromeo and the acquisition of the castles

Lodovico Borromeo expelled the Malpaga family from the castles of Cannero, on the border with Switzerland. In the archive documents we read that on 6 October 1519, the day before the day of Santa Giustina Borromeo, he began the construction of the fortress, called Vitaliana in honour of the founder of the family.
In a very short time the fortification was completed and subsequently, having become useless from the military point of view, it was abandoned in the century that followed. The castles stand on two rocks a short distance from the shore and are currently in the process of restructuring: they will soon be open to the public.

1538 - Saint Carlo Borromeo 1538 - Saint Carlo Borromeo

THE PROTAGONISTS

Born of Saint Carlo Borromeo

In the Rocca di Arona, in the room known as the Room of the Three Lakes, subsequently dedicated to him, San Carlo Borromeo, cardinal and archbishop of Milan, who was to be proclaimed a saint in Rome on 1 November 1610, was born.
Much loved in his diocese for his numerous good works and for the abnegation and the spirit of sacrifice he showed during the plague of 1576-1577, he was an important figure for the history of the Church, of which he was a great reformer and one of the protagonists of the Council of Trento.
There is also a huge statue of him in Arona, the so-called Sancarlone, erected shortly after his death.

1564 - Federico III Borromeo  1564 - Federico III Borromeo

THE PROTAGONISTS

Born of Federico III Borromeo

A Milano nasce Federico III Borromeo, cardinale e arcivescovo di Miliano. Era il cugino San Carlo, a cui era molto legato. Venne citato da Alessandro Manzoni nel romanzo I Promessi Sposi.
L’autore dedicò molte pagine alla sua persona, descrivendolo come presenza pastorale benevola e austera, nobile di natali e di animo.

1620 - Vitaliano VI 1620 - Vitaliano VI

THE PROTAGONISTS

Vitaliano VI

Vitaliano VI Borromeo, considered the creator of the palace and garden of Isola Bella, was born. Very cultured and intelligent, he corresponded with heads of state and worthies from all over Europe. His extensive correspondence, conserved in the Borromeo archive on Isola Bella, contains numerous letters in which he describes the project in minute detail, even drawing the architectural details in the margins of the written texts.

1631-71 - Garden of Isola Bella Borromeo Archive 1631-71 - Garden of Isola Bella Borromeo Archive

ISOLA BELLA

The italian-style garden

The garden of Isola Bella was created, decorated at its highest point by a statue of a unicorn, the symbol of the family. The garden is a perfectly conserved example of Baroque style. It is adorned with numerous statues, obelisks and fountains, which stand on terraces sloping down to the lake. Parterres of flowers are alternated with scenographies of stone that create genuine theatrical sets.
Seen from a distance, its shape is reminiscent of the stern of a galleon ploughing through the waters of Lago Maggiore.

1657 - Carlo IV Borromeo 1657 - Carlo IV Borromeo

THE PROTAGONISTS

Born of Carlo IV Borromeo

Carlo IV was to join his surname with that of his first wife, Giulia Arese. An eclectic character, his second marriage was to be to Camilla Barberini and he would become Viceroy of Naples for the Habsburgs. He acquired the fiefdom of Maccagno on Lago Maggiore.

1797 - Napoleon Bonaparte 1797 - Napoleon Bonaparte

ISOLA BELLA

Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte stayed on Isola Bella for two days with a retinue of around sixty people. He was not welcomed in person by Count Borromeo, who was angered because the French army had destroyed the Rocca di Arona, one of his estates. The letters of the administrator of the palace telling the Count of the events speak of dirt, broken furnishings and the great rudeness of the emperor’s entire entourage. Luckily Napoleon found his stay on Isola Bella boring, as he did that on Isola Madre, where he went pheasant hunting. His room in the palace still exists, with the original bed where he slept intact.

1848 - The Five Days of Milan 1848 - The Five Days of Milan

THE PROTAGONISTS

The Five Days of Milan

After the Five Days of Milan the Milanese nobles that had participated in it were fined by Radetzky. Among them was Vitaliano 9 , who had actively participated in the revolt. The price to be paid was very high for the finances of the count and the whole family.

1858 - Chapel of San Vittore 1858 - Chapel of San Vittore

ISOLA MADRE

Chapel of San Vittore

The construction of the Family Chapel on Isola Madre, designed by architect Defendente Vannini, dates back to this year. It is a small church opposite the palace, the façade of which is decorated with terracotta panels.
Some members of the family are buried in the crypt.

1906 - Simplon Tunnel 1906 - Simplon Tunnel

THE PROTAGONISTS

Giberto Borromeo and the Simplon Tunnel

The Simplon railway tunnel was inaugurated. Giberto Borromeo, senator of the Kingdom of Italy, was president of the Italian committee for the Simplon, which was built in just eight years (between 1898 and 1906) between Brig in Switzerland (Canton Vallese) and Iselle, near Domodossola in the current province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, and was to remain the longest railway tunnel in the world – almost 20 kilometres long – until 1982.

1935 - Stresa conference 1935 - Stresa conference

ISOLA BELLA

Stresa conference

The Stresa Conference, which between 11 and 14 April 1935 saw French Foreign Minister Pierre Laval, British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald and the Head of the Italian Government Benito Mussolini sit around the table, was held in the rooms of Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella.
The purpose of the agreement was to reaffirm the principles of the Locarno Treaties and to declare that the independence of Austria “would continue to inspire their common policy“.
The three parties declared themselves ready to react to any future attempt by Germany to amend or infringe the Treaty of Versailles.

1948-58 - Completion of Palazzo Borromeo 1948-58 - Completion of Palazzo Borromeo

ISOLA BELLA

Completion of Palazzo Borromeo

As soon as he returned to Italy after the end of the Second World War, Vitaliano X Borromeo decided to complete the work on the Salone, which had been left incomplete, although a number of projects had been prepared in the past years. The decoration was executed following the original designs, but the magnificent dome that loomed over the building in the early projects was never built.

1978 - Opening of Palazzo Borromeo to the public 1978 - Opening of Palazzo Borromeo to the public

ISOLA MADRE

Opening of Palazzo Borromeo to the public

The Palazzo on Isola Madre, which had been abandoned for a long time, was restored and opened to the public. Part of the furnishings are original and part have come from other residences of the Borromeo family. Displayed inside it are objects of everyday life, such as the plates and the liveries of the staff.

Borromeo Archive Borromeo Archive

ISOLA BELLA

Borromeo Archive

The Borromeo Archive on Isola Bella contains almost five million documents, datable from 1300 to 1940. Most of the documentation regarding the history of the territory of the Borromeo fiefdom – which extended around practically the entire lake – is contained here. Notarial registrations, cash books, correspondence by the family members, musical scores and plenty of other materials are all held here at researchers’ disposal.

2008 - Reopening of Galleria Berthier 2008 - Reopening of Galleria Berthier

ISOLA BELLA

Reopening of Galleria Berthier

Prince Giberto VIII and Princess Bona Borromeo reopened the painting gallery of Isola Bella, also known as the Galleria del Berthier, to the public. The gallery is an example of a perfectly conserved 17th-century painting collection. 300 paintings and all the furnishings of this extraordinary wing of the Palazzo, the heart of the family art collections and evidence of the original furnishings of the house, have been restored. Photo Gallery.

ROCCA DI ARONA

Acquisition of Rocca

Filippo Maria Visconti transferred the Rocca di Arona, together with the entire Comune, as a fiefdom to Vitaliano I Borromeo. For a good four centuries the fortress remained in the hands of the Borromeo family, and it was even the birthplace of future Cardinal San Carlo Borromeo.

A TREASURE CHEST ON LAGO MAGGIORE
Stories in the story
Citrus fruit on the Isole Borromee, over 400 years of history

Citrus fruit on the Isole Borromee, over 400 years of history

PALAZZO BORROMEO ART COLLECTION: A SHARED WORLD HERITAGE.

PALAZZO BORROMEO ART COLLECTION: A SHARED WORLD HERITAGE.

THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF ISOLA MADRE

THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF ISOLA MADRE

Stories in the story
Citrus fruit on the Isole Borromee, over 400 years of history

Citrus fruit on the Isole Borromee, over 400 years of history

PALAZZO BORROMEO ART COLLECTION: A SHARED WORLD HERITAGE.

PALAZZO BORROMEO ART COLLECTION: A SHARED WORLD HERITAGE.

THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF ISOLA MADRE

THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF ISOLA MADRE

Terre Borromeo

A story of love, protection and respect that has lasted for six centuries.

Who we are

Helpful Tips

Hours

  • Isola Bella

  • Isola Madre

  • ROCCA DI ANGERA

  • PARCO PALLAVICINO

Buy and Book
  • Buy tickets, guided tours and much more safely and quickly directly online.

How to get

  • Terre Borromeo is easily accessible! They are only an hour and a half from Milan and easily reachable from the main airports. Find out how to reach them by car, train and how to book the ferry that will take you to the islands.
Terre Borromeo Maps
Our Partners
Instagram Feed
Comunemente chiamata "campanelle", l'ipomea è una rigogliosa pianta rampicante che fiorisce in primavera con colori vivaci quali viola, rosa, azzuro o bianco. 
Affrettati! Fino ad autunno potrai vederla in fiore a Isola Madre. 

-

Commonly called "morning glory," the ipomea is a lush climbing plant that blossoms in spring with vibrant colors such as purple, pink, blue, or white. 
Hurry! You can see it in bloom at Isola Madre until autumn.

#TerreBorromeo #Isoleborromee #BorromeoExperience
#LagoMaggiore #Italia #Stresa
#Ipomea #Garden #Flowers
81 0
Un boschetto di noccioli, cipressi e lecci costeggiano un piccolo ruscello che accompagna la passeggiata fino a piccolo specchio d'acqua e al giardino delle erbe officinali - un vero throwback all'epoca medievale!
Visita la Rocca di Angera, acquista il tuo ingresso al link in bio.

-

A grove of hazels, cypresses and holm oaks line a small stream that accompanies the walk to a small pond and herb garden - a real throwback to medieval times!
Visit Rocca di Angera, purchase your admission at the link in bio.

#TerreBorromeo #BorromeoExperience #LagoMaggiore #Italia #roccadiangera #angera #rocca
35 0
Il palazzo Borromeo di Isola Bella è un trionfo di eleganza e magnificenza barocca: la linea architettonica, gli interni decorati e la collezione artistica vi guideranno in una passeggiata indietro nel tempo. Visita il nostro sito al link in bio ed acquista la tua visita guidata.

-

The Borromeo Palace on Isola Bella is a triumph of Baroque elegance and magnificence: the architectural lines, ornate interiors and artistic collection will guide you on a walk back in time. Visit our website at the link in bio and purchase your guided tour.

#TerreBorromeo #Isoleborromee #BorromeoExperience
#LagoMaggiore #Italia #Stresa
182 0
Esplora, ammira e impara tutto sui siti museali di Terre Borromeo grazie alla nostra audioguida e lasciati trasportare in un'avventura indimenticabile tra arte, natura e cultura.
Scopri di più al link in bio.

-

Explore, admire and learn all about Terre Borromeo's museum sites with our audio guide and let us take you on an unforgettable adventure through art, nature and culture. 
Find out more at the link in bio.

#TerreBorromeo #Isoleborromee #BorromeoExperience
#LagoMaggiore #Italia #Stresa
200 0
Mentre maestosi pavoni si mescolano ai panorami di Isola Bella, uccelli variopinti e fagiani argentati e dorati passeggiano tranquillamente nei prati e fra i cespugli di Isola Madre.
Unisciti a noi alla scoperta della fauna delle Isole Borromee.

-

While majestic peacocks mingle with the scenery of Isola Bella, colorful birds and silver and golden pheasants stroll quietly in the meadows and bushes of Isola Madre.
Join us as we discover the fauna of Isole Borromee

#TerreBorromeo #Isoleborromee #BorromeoExperience
#LagoMaggiore #Italia #Stresa #Garden #pavoni
584 9
Un trionfo di sapori in un piatto di @delfinoisolabella: tris di lago con missoltino, patè di lavarello e il suo caviale e lucioperca marinato. La vista siamo sicuri ti ha già conquistato!
Sfoglia il menù completo al link in bio e prenota il tuo pranzo o la tua cena vista Lago Maggiore.

-

A triumph of flavors on a plate by @delfinoisolabella: Lake trio with missoltino, whitefish pâté and its caviar, marinated pikeperch. We're sure the view has already won you over!
Browse the full menu at the link in bio and book your lunch or dinner overlooking Lake Maggiore.

#TerreBorromeo #Isoleborromee #BorromeoExperience
#LagoMaggiore #Italia #Stresa #Food #ItalianFood #Cuisine
54 0
La tua casa lontano da casa.
Gli Isola Bella Apartments sono il punto di partenza per scoprire le tante mete turistiche affacciate sul Lago Maggiore e sul Lago d’Orta.
Scopri tutte le soluzioni al link in bio.

-

Your home away from home.
The Isola Bella Apartments are the starting point for discovering the many tourist destinations overlooking Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta.
Discover all the solutions at the link in bio.

#TerreBorromeo #IsoleBorromee #BorromeoExperience
#LagoMaggiore #Italia #Stresa #weekend #apartments #suite
110 0
Hai mai visitato le bellezze del Lago Maggiore?
Scrivici nei commenti cosa ti ha maggiormente conquistato il cuore!

-

Have you ever visited the beauties of Lake Maggiore?
Tell us in the comments what captured your heart the most!

#TerreBorromeo #Isole Borromee #BorromeoExperience
#LagoMaggiore #Italia #Stresa
142 4