Palazzo Bella on Isola Bella 

On the beautiful island of Isola Bella, set on the tranquil waters of Lake Maggiore in Italy, lies a stunning palace known as Palazzo Bella. This historic site isn’t just any old building—it's a place filled with history, beauty, and a touch of romance. Whether you're a history buff or just love exploring beautiful places, Palazzo Bella is a must-see.

The Borromeo Family and Their Grand Dream

The story of Palazzo Bella begins with the powerful Borromeo family, who started building the palace in 1632. Carlo III Borromeo had a vision of turning this small, rocky island into a paradise. Over time, that dream became reality, and the island transformed into a lush, beautiful garden with a magnificent palace at its center. The Borromeos were not just wealthy; they were also smart, using their power and influence to create one of the most stunning homes in all of Italy.

The House of Borromeo is one of Italy's most prestigious noble families, with a history that stretches back to the 13th century. Originating from Florence, the Borromeos rose to prominence in Milan and became powerful landowners, bankers, and church leaders. Their influence expanded through strategic marriages, political alliances, and a deep connection to the Catholic Church.

The Beauty of Palazzo Bella (Palazzo Borromeo)

Palazzo Bella is a masterpiece of baroque architecture, with every room telling a story of luxury and power. The grand halls are decorated with detailed frescoes, golden mirrors, and elegant chandeliers. 

The palace also houses a collection of beautiful art and artefacts, including rare paintings and intricate tapestries that depict the Borromeo family’s rise to prominence. Every item in the collection was chosen to show the family's wealth and influence in European history.

Galleria Berthier

Throne Room

One of the most impressive rooms is the Throne Room, where velvet curtains and antique furniture create an atmosphere of royal grandeur. 

Why is there a throneroom in the palazzo bella?

During the Baroque period, which is when Palazzo Bella was built, European aristocrats often designed their homes with grand, almost theatrical spaces to impress visitors. A Throne Room, even if no one was actually using it as a throne room, was a powerful symbol. It conveyed that the family was on par with royalty, or at least wanted to be seen that way.

In Palazzo Bella, the Throne Room is more about creating an atmosphere of regal splendor, filled with luxurious decor, velvet drapes, and antique furniture. It was a space meant to awe guests and remind everyone of the Borromeo family's lofty status in society. Essentially, it’s a room that says, "We’re a big deal," without having to actually say anything at all.

Napoleon and Josephine Visited the Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella

One of the most exciting moments in the history of Palazzo Bella was when Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife, Josephine, visited in 1797. At the time, Napoleon was one of the most powerful men in Europe, and Josephine was known for her elegance and love of gardens.

During their visit, the Borromeo family welcomed them with open arms, showcasing the splendor of the palace and its gardens. Josephine, who adored plants and flowers, was reportedly captivated by the beauty of the island’s terraced gardens. Napoleon, on the other hand, appreciated the palace for its strategic importance and majestic views.

Their visit is meticulously described by the the palace administrator who kept Count Gilberto V Borromeo informed of the unusual situation that had arisen on Isola Bella. It seems that they found the French visitors—Napoleon brought a retinue of about 60 people—rude and ill-mannered.

Josephine returned to the island in July 1806, and her son Eugène visited in 1807. Other famous visitors are Emperor Leopold II of Habsburg-Lorraine in 1791, the King and Queen of Sardinia, Carlo Felice and Maria Cristina, in 1828, Queen Victoria of England in 1879 and Charles and Diana in 1984.

The Enchanting Gardens

The real magic of Palazzo Bella lies in its gardens, which spread out over ten terraces. These gardens are a true Italian gem, full of exotic plants, classical statues, and fountains. Josephine would have felt right at home here, surrounded by the flowers she loved so much.

As you wander through the gardens, you’ll find yourself in a world of beauty and tranquility. The views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding mountains are breathtaking, making it easy to see why so many people fall in love with this place.

The apartment of grottos at Palazzo Bella is a unique attraction. These 6 rooms are designed to provide shelter from the sun while delighting visitors. The grottos are like stepping into an underwater dream world without getting wet. Decorated with shells, stones, and intricate mosaics, they create a cool, shadowy retreat from the summer heat.

Initially designed as a sun escape, the grottos are now one of the most fascinating and whimsical parts of the palace. Wandering through these grottos feels like discovering a hidden treasure beneath the surface of Isola Bella, thanks to their mysterious, otherworldly vibe.

How to visit Palazzo Bella on Isola Bella:

Getting to Palazzo Bella on Isola Bella is an adventure as charming as the destination itself! The island is located on Lake Maggiore, and the most popular way to reach it is by boat. Here’s how you can do it:

1. From Stresa: The town of Stresa is the main gateway to Isola Bella. You can easily catch a ferry or a private boat from here. Ferries run regularly throughout the day, especially during the tourist season from March to October. The ride is short, about 10-15 minutes, and offers beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
   
   
2. Other Departure Points: If you're staying in other towns around Lake Maggiore, such as Verbania, Baveno and Arona, you can also catch a ferry from there. These towns have regular connections to Isola Bella.
   
   You can book an Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour to 3 Borromean Islands so you can explore Lake Maggiore at your own pace.
   
   
3. Private Boat Tours: For a more personalized experience, consider hiring a private boat. This option gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace, and you might even visit the other Borromean Islands, like Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori.

Once you arrive on Isola Bella, the Palazzo Bella is just a short walk from the dock, ready to sweep you off your feet with its baroque splendor and stunning gardens.