Explore Isola Bella: The Baroque Marvel of Lake Maggiore

From Isola Madre, we were on our way to Isola Bella. Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella is a beautiful Baroque palace built by the Borromeo family in the 1600s. It was designed to show the family’s wealth and importance, with richly decorated rooms, elegant furniture, and a famous collection of art. One of its most unique features is a series of cool grotto rooms, decorated with shells and stones. The palace is surrounded by stunning terraced gardens, making it one of the most impressive sights on Lake Maggiore.

As we approached the island we had a view of the Church of San Vittore, a baroque style church that dates back to the 17th century.

View of historic buildings along the waterfront with greenery and mountains in the background.

Let’s start our tour in the palace. The ceilings are absolutely gorgeous. Don’t miss them as you look around.

Interior staircase of Palazzo Borromeo with ornate blue ceiling, decorative wall reliefs, and vintage furniture.

Dining room.

Interior of Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella, showcasing ornate decorations, a large chandelier, and a dining table set with blue dinnerware against a backdrop of elegant wallpaper and art.

The furnishings are beautiful.

An ornate wooden credenza with intricate detailing and decorative panels, set against a wall adorned with various framed paintings and golden moldings.

This photo is of one of the rooms in the Galleria dei Quadri (Gallery of Paintings). The room is a stunning example of Baroque interior design and serves as a showcase for the Borromeo family’s prestigious art collection.

Interior of the Palazzo Borromeo, featuring a richly decorated gallery with ornate paintings in gold frames, a chandelier, and elegant red upholstered seating.

This painting is also in the above photo on the right hand side.

A stunning Baroque painting depicting the martyrdom of a young virgin, surrounded by elegantly framed artworks in the Galleria dei Quadri.

And these two I took for a comparison of styles and approaches.

A portrait of a woman in a decorative gold frame, showcasing intricate details and Baroque style elements.

A detailed portrait of a woman wearing a black dress with white accents and a red necklace, framed in an ornate gold frame.

Another piece of beautiful furniture.

A detailed view of an ornate display cabinet featuring colorful paintings and intricate woodwork, accompanied by a bronze statue of a man in period attire, situated in a luxurious room.

Moving on, we came upon this staircase where this lovely sculpture is on display.

View from the upper level looking down the staircase adorned with ornate decorations, including sculptures and a colorful floor design.

A marble statue of a woman seated with a child, framed by an arched window with a pink background, along with decorative details beneath the statue.

Another ceiling.

Interior view of a palace room featuring elaborate Baroque decorations, gold accents, and red curtains.

Another lovely room.

An elegant Baroque room featuring a chandelier, richly decorated walls adorned with paintings, a gold-trimmed table, and antique furniture.

This image shows the Salone Nuovo, or New Hall, one of the grandest and most architecturally impressive spaces within the Palazzo. The hall was designed in the 18th century as a space for gatherings, concerts, and courtly entertainment and it is absolutely breathtaking.

Interior view of the Palazzo Borromeo, showcasing an intricately designed ceiling and ornate architectural details in a spacious hall.

This photo shows one of the famed grotto rooms inside the Palazzo. The grottoes are among the most unique and elaborate rooms in the palace, designed in the 17th century as a cool retreat during hot summer months.

Interior view of a room featuring intricate shell and stone decorations, a marble statue, and a display case with an ornate model, showcasing Baroque design elements.

And another sculpture in one of the grottos, most likely Venus.

A marble sculpture of a reclining figure on a draped surface, set against a backdrop of decorated walls and a display case in a historical room.

A marionette theatre for entertainment.

Display of intricately designed puppets in a theatrical setting, showcasing varied costumes and characters.

A view of Fishermen’s Island and the mountains in the distance.

View of Isola Bella from a window, showcasing the island's landscape and church against a backdrop of mountains.

Let’s head into the gardens.

View of the terraced gardens from an open door, featuring colorful flower beds and lush greenery.

The gardens of Isola Bella are a magnificent example of Baroque landscape design, arranged in ten dramatic terraces that rise like a pyramid from the lake. They feature elegant statues, fountains, exotic plants, and carefully trimmed hedges, all designed to impress and inspire. White peacocks roam freely through the lush grounds, adding to the gardens’ enchanting and regal atmosphere. Enjoy!