The Borromean Islands are a group of three small islands (Isola Madre, Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori) and two islets, called Isolino di San Giovanni and Malghera, a tiny uninhabited rock. In the 14th century the Borromeo family acquired them and began their transformation.
Isola Madre is largest of the three islands: here you can visit the Borromeo Palace (built in the 16th century), with an evocative English garden, of approximately 8 hectares, considered among the best examples of this landscape in Italy. Particularly prized is the scala dei morti (staircase of the dead) embellished with an important collection of Wisterias; in the garden splendid white peacocks can be admired.
In 1632 Count Carlo III Borromeo began the construction of an enormous palace dedicated to his wife on Isola Bella: today the whole island is covered by the garden of the palace; the palace was place of sumptuous parties for the nobility, an elegant atmosphere that conserve splendid works of art. The palace is open to public, as the magnificent garden, with terraces, a classic example of italianate garden.
Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island) is the only one to be inhabited all year round: the small village, with its characteristic houses, a piazza, narrow alleys and a lakeside promenade, has about 50 inhabitants.
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