Lago Maggiore > Things To Do |
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Isola Madre
Island Madre is the largest of the Borromeo Islands. We were greeted by a pair of brilliantly-colored Golden Pheasants when we stepped onto the island. And to our delight, White Peacocks, vibrant Blue Peacocks and Parrots roamed freely among the beautiful Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Camellias, Cypresses and Tea-Plants. All of the exotic flowers and plants create a tropical island atmosphere.
The 16th century Palace on the Island is open to the public. It is considered to be the first of the Villas built on Lake Maggiore. In comparison with the Mansion on Isola Bella it looks simple, but it is furnished with lovely Antique furniture in order to re-create an atmosphere of bygone days. Inside there are important 17th century Lombard paintings, Marionette Theatres (Puppet Theaters), and a wonderful collection of antique dolls.
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Isola Bella
Isola Bella lies just off Stresa.
You will find the monumental baroque Mansion Borromeo. Visitors can tour the Mansion's 25 richly decorated rooms - decorated with priceless masterpieces, tapestries, paintings, stuccoes, statues and Murano chandeliers.
From the Mansion you can reach the terraced Garden, where among the statues and Azaleas live White Peacocks. The Garden is built in a succession of ornate terraces and is a classic example of an "Italian Garden." From the upper terrace, there is a grand view of the Borromeo Gulf and Stresa.
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Isola Pescatori
Isola Pescatori - or the Fishermen’s Island - lies to the north of Isola Bella and is inhabited by fishermen. Every lane leads to the Lake where there are little boats and fishing nets. It is a charming island. You can visit the Parish Church with portals and columns of Pink Granite. In the small village you can walk among the old houses with wooden balconies and granite portals. Isola Pescatori offers beautiful views of Isola Bella, Isola Madre, Baveno and Mount Mottarone.
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Rocca Borromeo
Rocca Borromeo is a completely preserved medieval Fortress situated on a rock in the southern part of Lake Maggiore.
There are 13th century frescoes in the "Sala di Giustizio" (Justice Hall). From the Sala, a wooden stairway leads to the upper floors of the Torre Castellana (Tower), which affords magnificent panoramic views. Also of particular interest is the 17th century wine press that is housed in the wine-pressing room.
Some rooms of the Fortress house the Doll and Children’s Clothes Museum that was opened in 1988. This was the first Italian Doll Museum. There is a large section of mechanical automatons dating from the 19th century, all of which are functional.
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