Historical and botanical gardens
Giardini dell'Isola Bella (Stresa)
Category: Historical and botanical gardens
Count Vitaliano Borromeo had these gardens built to create a majestic frame for his palace. The Giardini dell’Isola Bella (Gardens of the Isola Bella) are one of the main attractions of Lago Maggiore (Lake Maggiore). They expand over a height of 37 metres with 10 overlapping terraces full of flowers, which are a fantastic example of XVII century “giardino all’italiana” (Italian garden). Even though they were later modified, they still retain a harmonious pyramid shape that culminates in the statue of Unicorn ridden by Love (coat of arms of the Borromeo family) next to the statues of Art and Nature. The terraces are embellished by statutes and, thanks to the mild climate, rare and exotic specimens grow luxuriantly: orchids and carnivorous plants, collections of azaleas and rhododendron, grapefruit and Seville orange trees. A fine eighteen hundreds greenhouse protects more delicate plants from the harshness of the cold weather.
Information
Isola Bella – 28050 Stresa (Vb)
Tel. +39.0323.30556
E-mail: info@borromeoturismo.it
www.borromeoturismo.it
