This is the largest among the Borromeo Islands; it emerges in the middle of the gulf and displays a magnificent Renaissance building surrounded by an unbelievable garden, which is one of the most ancient and important of Italy. The island, evoked as the "Earthly Paradise" by Flaubert, fascinates its visitors through its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, hovering about a surreal environment made up of countless colour shades and scents.

Originally fortified, it was at the beginning of the 16th century that the Borromeo family (who took the place of the Visconti family in the 15th century) planned to convert the island into a comfortable summer residence. The mild climate has allowed the growth, on five different terracing, of an unbelievable botanical garden, including over 150 species of camellias, a majestic Kashmir cypress, plants and flowers that are typical of the subtropical environment, unique and singular specimens such as the soap, wax, iron, anise and coffee plants, as well as the Tibetan handkerchief plant, a real wonder of nature.
Furthermore, the charms of such an exceptional and luxuriant natural environment are enhanced by the presence of exotic animals, such as white peacocks, many kinds of pheasants and gaily-coloured parrots, all incredibly free to move among the garden paths.

The palace, built in the 16th century, was restored in 1978 by Princess Borromeo, who furnished it with items coming from other family residences, and converted it into a museum, where many interesting pieces can be admired: delightful reconstructions of historical rooms, numerous collections of liveries, tapestry and chinaware, a well-known puppet theatre, a rich Lombard Seicento picture gallery and an attractive doll museum including rare 19th-century specimens manufactured in France and Germany.
The island also houses a Family Chapel devoted to St. Charles, which Vitaliano IX Borromeo had built in 1758.

Info:
Tel: (+39) 0323 31261 
Fax: (+39) 0323 30046
E-Mail info@isoleborromee.it
Web http://www.isoleborromee.it