On the western side of Italy’s Lake Maggiore, surrounded by clear blue waters, lies a unique tourist destination: the Borromean Islands. A veritable Piedmont paradise complete with palaces and gardens, the Borromean Islands evoke fairy tale wonder.

The tiny group of picturesque islands are named after the well-heeled Borromeos, who bought them in the 16^th century. The wealthy aristocratic family indelibly transformed the Lake Maggiore scenery, adding villas, landscaped gardens and other notable architectural additions. Two of the three islands were completely altered to serve as opulent summer sanctuaries, while a third was left largely untouched. Though there are no accommodations on the Borromean Islands themselves, visitors can choose from a variety of excellent hotels on Lake Maggiore.

The three Borromean Islands, Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori, may share the same wonderful backdrop. Each however, offers a different experience. From the decadence of Isola Bella’s Palazzo Borromeo to the gardens of Isola Madre and indeed, fishing village simplicity of Isola dei Pescatori, the Borromean Islands are sublime.

In the year 1630, Count Carlo III Borromeo decided to turn Isola Bella into a Baroque oasis for his wife Isabela, for whom the island is named. Master Milanese architect Angelo Crivelli oversaw the island’s complete metamorphosis. One of the world’s finest examples of Baroque landscaping, the garden of Isola Bella was built in the shape of a pyramid topped by a massive statue of a unicorn. It features ten green terraces that slope gently towards Lake Maggiore.

The unique garden of Isola Bella is decorated with beautiful fountains, basins, a summer theater, and a number of sculptures symbolizing the four seasons. Maggiore’s micro-climate favors the growth of luscious vegetation and so, lemon trees, orchids and a wide array of carnivorous plants flourish on the island. Grottoes encrusted with shells and marble mirrors offer shelter from the scorching sun in the hot summer months.

Isola Madre, the largest of the three Borromean Islands, may also be the most emblematic. Captivating and peaceful, the island was once known as Isola di San Vittore and was a vital part of the lake’s defense system in medieval times. Unfortunately, the old castle and church of San Vittore are no longer around today, but the sumptuous botanical garden built by Count Lancillot for the Borromeo family does a fine replacement job.

Renowned for an amazing variety of rare plants and exotic flowers, Isola Madre is also a safe haven for peacocks, parrots and pheasants. Exploring this natural paradise, surrounded by exotic birds and beautiful flowers like azaleas, camellias and rhododendron, is truly a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed. The villa of Isola Madre was opened to the public in 1978, after its chambers were redecorated with furnishings from various residences of the Borromeo family. Visitors can admire original paintings by some of Lombardy’s greatest artists, as well as a collection of dolls and puppets dating back to the 17^th century.

Isola dei Pescatori, or Fisherman’s Island, may not be as luxurious as the other two Borromean Islands, but it has a singular charm. The island has stood the test of time and maintained the look of an old fishing village, with simple yet elegant houses and narrow cobbled alleys leading down to a small port. The same families have been living here for generations, but tourists are more than welcome. During the summer and early fall, restaurants on the island teem with visitors.

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