Palazzo Borromeo
Palazzo Borromeo
4.5
About
In 1670 Count Vitaliano Borromeo decided to turn a rock awash in the middle of the lake into a “place of delights”. It took four centuries to complete this magnificent work that includes Palazzo Borromeo and its scenic gardens. The tour of the house is fascinating: the Throne and Queens rooms, the Napoleon's Room, the Gallery of General Berthier displaying a collection of 130 paintings. On a lower floor, six grottoes covered with pebbles, tufa rock, stucco and marble were designed to afford cool relief from summer heat. World famous, its baroque garden, with the Teatro Massimo at the centre, consists of ten terraces in the shape of a truncated pyramid. Visitors marvel at the sight of the monumental unicorn, the obelisks, the statues, the two towers and other architectural elements, as well as the mighty trees, like the camphor and citrus trees, and the collections of roses, rhododendrons and camellias.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- PaigeBirmingham, Alabama14 contributionsExtremely happy we didn’t miss this gem!!OH MY WORD!!! Do not miss the palace or the grounds. We’ve traveled the world and we were shocked that we had never heard of Palazzo Islo Bella! Give yourself three hours to shop, tour, see the palace, and the unreal gardens!!Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 17, 2023
- Hilary GManchester, United Kingdom58 contributionsSpectacular gardensThis was an amazing experience and well worth the money and time. The house is spectacular with an amazing history of the borromeo family and the famous people who visited. The gardens were spectacular and magical, I have never seen such beautiful gardens before with so much history. This is a must to visit on Isolabella.Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 15, 2024
- Gianluca GVerona, Italy270 contributionsAmazing, beautiful, unforgettableAmazing, beautiful, unforgettable. I was not expecting so much. I have seen many places around the world, but to me this has been the most beautiful palace (and garden too!) I have seen so far. What a pleasure to see so many art pieces, rooms in such good conditions, a sudden complete change of style when you visit the grotte. And what a joy to my soul to see the outstanding garden, to notice and compare the colors and shapes of plants and trees leaves, matching all around, those beautiful trees, the white peacocks, and more. I will surely go back there again.Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 8, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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DUrsoF73
Borgarello, Italy232 contributions
Jun 2020 • Solo
What a truly magnificent palace! Definitely worth the visit. Tickets for an adult are €17 (see photo attached for the admission fees). There is a oneway system which weaves through all the majestic rooms; one more spectacular than the next.
The gardens are just as impressive and are out of this world, simply exquisite.
Definitely worth the visit as it’s a truly pleasurable day out!
Had an exhilarating close encounter with the most beautiful white peacock ever, vainly displaying her beauty.
Stopped off for a cappuccino and pastry (€6.50 a little overpriced but the view was worth the spend) at the caffettiera in the gardens which was a peaceful moment to appreciate the surrounding beauty.
Easy to get here with “Navigazione Lago Maggiore”. €4 return ticket from Carciano (first dock I found walking from Stresa trainstation along the lake) to Isola Bella.
Definitely worth the visit!
The gardens are just as impressive and are out of this world, simply exquisite.
Definitely worth the visit as it’s a truly pleasurable day out!
Had an exhilarating close encounter with the most beautiful white peacock ever, vainly displaying her beauty.
Stopped off for a cappuccino and pastry (€6.50 a little overpriced but the view was worth the spend) at the caffettiera in the gardens which was a peaceful moment to appreciate the surrounding beauty.
Easy to get here with “Navigazione Lago Maggiore”. €4 return ticket from Carciano (first dock I found walking from Stresa trainstation along the lake) to Isola Bella.
Definitely worth the visit!
Written June 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wolfe
London, UK45 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
We hadn't done a lot of research so ended up getting a ferry to three islands. We went late in the day which meant there were fewer visitors (which was great). We have seen quite a few palaces but this was really unique and worthwhile for the beautiful and ambitious decor and gardens.
Written September 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jils87
Zagreb, Croatia137 contributions
Jun 2022
Even though it was 35 Celsius, I enjoyed every minute of the visit.
I have seen a lot of castles and palaces around Europe and their gardens, but this place is one of a kind.
When planning a visit, make sure you reserve enough time, including taking a break at the cafeteria and getting some souvenirs from the bookshop (we bought soap made from local ingredients) and reed diffusers with scents of the islands).
I recommend purchasing a combo ticket to save money (and time because it is also used as a skipped line).
We bought ours online, just a couple of hours before the visit, including the ticket for the palace and gardens, park Pallavicino in Stresa, and a hop-on-off boat.
I have seen a lot of castles and palaces around Europe and their gardens, but this place is one of a kind.
When planning a visit, make sure you reserve enough time, including taking a break at the cafeteria and getting some souvenirs from the bookshop (we bought soap made from local ingredients) and reed diffusers with scents of the islands).
I recommend purchasing a combo ticket to save money (and time because it is also used as a skipped line).
We bought ours online, just a couple of hours before the visit, including the ticket for the palace and gardens, park Pallavicino in Stresa, and a hop-on-off boat.
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your visit and the review Jils. We're so happy you liked it and hope too see you soon!
Written July 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sonia M
Lombardy, Italy15 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
The building is very beautiful even if it is too crowded, so much so that in the rooms it is almost impossible to get close to the signs or barriers. The gardens are beautiful with a spectacular view but the entrance ticket is very expensive at 22 euros per person and costs more than the Vatican museums which offer much more. However, once you arrive on the island it is worth a visit
Written April 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pat C
Wittenheim, France506 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Magnificent palaces and Italian gardens.
We were there as soon as it opened, but there was already a line of bus operators.
Surprisingly, we had purchased our tickets online, with a 10-minute wait to enter, while those who bought their tickets directly at the ticket office entered straight away. Purchasing combined tickets for other venues is worth it.
When you exit the boat, head to the left.
The tour begins with the palace, then ends towards the gardens.
The first rooms of the palace are small, so if a group arrives before you, you will be stuck.
Allow 2 to 3 hours for the visit.
We were there as soon as it opened, but there was already a line of bus operators.
Surprisingly, we had purchased our tickets online, with a 10-minute wait to enter, while those who bought their tickets directly at the ticket office entered straight away. Purchasing combined tickets for other venues is worth it.
When you exit the boat, head to the left.
The tour begins with the palace, then ends towards the gardens.
The first rooms of the palace are small, so if a group arrives before you, you will be stuck.
Allow 2 to 3 hours for the visit.
Written August 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary G
Saint Louis, MO21 contributions
Oct 2022
The Borromeo family was obscenely rich and they built a beautiful palace on a lovely island in a beautiful place. I can see why they chose an island location, because to be as wealthy as they became, they must have been able to extract money from their subjects by taxes at a unreasonable rate. I think they also had an unholy alliance with the Catholic church, as Popes gave gifts to this very wealthy family, and a Borromeo became a Pope. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours, maybe? (The Church and the Borromeos). Where this is going is that by being on an island off the shore of the main cities, it would make it harder for someone who wanted to commit murder to easily access the family. I would guess that there were plots to kill the Borromeos that were not highlighted on today's tour. Call me a cynic, but to my view, European royalty became royalty by figuring out how to immorally extract fees from the peasants they governed, and then tried to justify it by ridiculous concepts like the "Divine Right of Kings". Could you imagine any worse form of governance than to be under the rule of an unqualified tyrant who gained their throne as an accident of birth?
Written October 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ennio M.
Imola, Italy2,744 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Visited the palace in spring with my wife and daughter, truly wonderful, with rooms full of paintings and works of art, original furnishings, antique objects and incredible decorations. Some lounges are crazy and offer fabulous views of the lake. The gardens, if possible, are even more beautiful, something like a dream. Unmissable, even if the ticket at €22 for adults and €11 for children aged 6 and over is too expensive
Written April 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shirley123905
Motherwell, UK29 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We decided to visit just the one island - Isola Bella although you can do all three. This really did work for us as there were no time pressures to get round all the islands. The entrance to the palace and gardens is an additional 20 Euros pp but so worth it. There is so much to see and everything is stunningly beautiful. It was surprising to see the white peacocks and so many of them too. The cafe within the palace grounds is really nice and serves good food at reasonable prices. Definitely worth a visit.
Written June 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antonella M
Turin, Italy2 contributions
Sep 2024 • Friends
The palace is to be seen, very interesting and cared for. There is a lift for disabled people. For the garden there is no disabled access and it seems very strange nowadays. The price is not exactly popular even if the disabled person enters for free.
Automatically translated
Written September 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorenzovalerio
Turin, Italy136 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
This residence highlights all the pomp and power of this dynasty. The salons are wonderful, overlooking it even more.
The garden leaves you speechless, Too bad there are many areas closed to the public and that there are currently restoration works to the unicorn statue that represents the emblem of the family.
It is worth buying the entrance ticket Together with that of the mother island for "only" 34€...
We were not lucky from a meteorological point of view but it remains a beautiful experience, to recommend to all
The garden leaves you speechless, Too bad there are many areas closed to the public and that there are currently restoration works to the unicorn statue that represents the emblem of the family.
It is worth buying the entrance ticket Together with that of the mother island for "only" 34€...
We were not lucky from a meteorological point of view but it remains a beautiful experience, to recommend to all
Automatically translated
Written July 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pour se rendre à l'entrée du Palais Boremmo, combien de marche à pieds depuis l'embarcadère ?
Written November 26, 2024
Giro prevalentemente in sedia rotelle ma 200 mt a piedi o 20 scalini tutti in un botto con stampelle e scorrimano riesco a farli, secondo voi isola bella madre e pescatori riesco a farle?
Written August 13, 2024
Buongiorno tutte le location Borromeo riapriranno il prossimo 19 marzo se sarà consentito riaprire i musei a causa delle restrizioni Covid.
Written January 12, 2021
Claudia M
Malsch, Germany
Ciao abbiamo un Cane piccolino. Lo possiamo portare con noi?
Written October 25, 2019
Buongiorno,
al museo di Palazzo Borromeo non è consentito l'accesso ai cani.
In questo momento siamo chiusi, riapriremo il 20 marzo 2020.
Cordiali saluti
Written October 31, 2019
Hi, i’ll be staying in Baveno. How do I get to Isola Madre from there?
Written August 21, 2019
Hi 303fabian, from Baveno you have two alternatives: by the public scheduled service ferryboat Navigazione dei Laghi or motorboats.
If you prefer you could buy the tickets on our website (isoleborromee) and add the transport after selecting the number of people.
Waiting for you!
Written August 22, 2019
buongiorno ,qualcuno sa dirmi se è agibile in carrozzina per disabili ?
Written June 11, 2019
Gentile Monica
all'interno del Palazzo é possibile poter visitare le sale grazie ad un ascensore presente all'ingresso.
Tuttavia per la morfologia e l'architettura dell'isola occorre avere un supporto di due accompagnatori per via di scalinate nel borgo antico, nella piazza antistante il Palazzo è nei giardini.
Cordiali saluti
Written July 22, 2019
I bought the pass to the 4 attractions do you have to visit in the same day ?
Written March 26, 2019
Dear Stefie12, thank you for choosing @TerreBorromeo.
If you are a private visitor you could visit the 4 attractions once by the end of the season. Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Rocca di Angera October 20th, Parco Pallavicino November 3rd.
Written March 27, 2019
Is the island accessible by ferry from The eastern side of Lake Maggiore
Written January 20, 2019
We took a private water taxi, which I think is your best option.
Randall
Written January 25, 2019
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