Palazzo Borromeo
Isola Bella 1, Stesa, Italy, 28838
The crown jewel of Lake Maggiore’s Borromean Islands, Palazzo Borromeo is a masterpiece of Baroque excess covering most of Isola Bella. Visit its lavish halls stuffed with paintings by Rubens and Titian, Flemish tapestries, and sculptures by Antonio Canova—the grand Sala da Ballo (Ballroom) and stuccoed Sala del Trono (Throne Room) are standouts. Afterward, stroll through the lush terraced grounds to admire its Italian-style gardens occupied by a clutch of white peacocks.
The basics
Palazzo Borromeo is a highlight of Borromean Island tours on Lake Maggiore. Opt for a private boat tour that includes guided visits to Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori (also known as Isola Superiore) or a hop-on-hop-off ferry with free time to explore the palace and its grounds at your own pace. Tours depart from Stresa on the lake shore or from Milan, with a transfer to Lake Maggiore and then boat transport to Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella and the neighboring islands.
Things to know before you go
Opt to visit the palace and garden on your own, as part of a guided tour, or with an audio guide.
Guided tours of the palace last about 60 minutes and end with free time to explore the gardens independently.
Audio guides cover the sights on Isola Bella (including Palazzo Borromeo), Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori.
Top up your phone and camera battery to capture the magnificent palace interiors, surrounding gardens, and lake views.
The palace's upper floor is accessible for wheelchairs via an elevator; the gardens are partially accessible.
How to get there
The only way to reach Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella is by boat. From Stresa, take a private water taxi directly to the island or the hop-on-hop-off ferry that stops at all three islands with a few hours of free time to visit each. Alternatively, book a private boat tour that covers the islands at your own pace.
When to get there
The gardens at Palazzo Borromeo are a highlight, so visit between spring and fall to see the terraces in their full splendor. The palace and gardens are open daily all year round, though they sometimes close for private events, so check the website before your visit.
Highlights of the Palazzo Borromeo
Around two dozen rooms are open to visitors inside Palazzo Borromeo—the aristocratic Borromeo family still occupies the remaining 50 or so—but a few are must-sees if you’re short on time. Head directly to the Sala di Napoleone, where Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte stayed in 1797; the exquisite Sala da Ballo (Ballroom) and Sala del Trono (Throne Room); and the Sala delle Regine (Queens' Room). Afterward, explore the ground-floor grottoes and wander the 10 garden terraces to enjoy their greenery, sculptures, and views.
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