After a few hours off in the morning and early afternoon, we found ourselves on the way to Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore. It is a serene place known for its lush English-style botanical gardens and elegant Renaissance-era Palazzo Borromeo.
A few words about the Palazzo and the islands: The Borromean Islands consist of three islands on Lake Maggiore. Isola Madre is the largest. The others are Isola dei Pescatori—named for the fishermen who once lived and worked there—and Isola Bella. Both Isola Madre and Isola Bella feature a Palazzo Borromeo, though the one on Isola Bella is especially notable, as members of the Borromeo family still reside on its top floor.
Now, let’s take a stroll through the gardens of Isola Madre. Originally developed in the 16th century by the Borromeo family, the island was transformed from an orchard into a noble residence surrounded by terraced gardens rich with rare plants, exotic trees, and free-roaming peacocks and pheasants. The gardens are famed for their vibrant camellias, ancient cypress trees, and scenic pathways. Have a look.
As you can see, the flowers and views are outstanding.
I took this photo of a peacock perched on the limb of a tree. He seemed to be looking at us and daring us to take his picture.
Where the stairs lead, I do not know. But the two birds (you may need to squint) descending have been there and back.
Remember, Isola Madre is a large garden with a palazzo. So, here are a few more garden and vista shots. Enjoy!
Then, we found ourselves approaching the Palazzo.
Inside the palace, visitors find period furnishings, marionette collections, and a puppet theater that reflect the refined leisure of past centuries. For some reason, probably because we were soon to sail to Isola Bella, where the other opulent Palazzo Borromeo is located and I was concentrating on the gardens I didn’t take photos inside. In any event, let’s continue our garden tour with this photo.
A view through a window. I like framing photos with the use of a window.
And, yet a few more garden and vista shots.
Isola Bella and the Palazzo, our next destination.
Good bye Isola Madre. No farewell would be complete without one last flower photo. I saved the my favorite for last.
Just gorgeous
These beautiful pictures certainly embody the beauty of this island. The flowers, photos and commentary certainly made me feel that I was part of this lovely place. Very, very nice!