Stresa on Lake Maggiore: Islands, Gardens and Culture
Accommodation in Stresa
Stresa on Lake Maggiore
Stresa is located on Lake Maggiore. Villas, parks and gardens characterize the setting, complemented by views of the Borromean Islands. A distinctive local feature is the Margheritine, typical biscuits from Stresa. Culture is also reflected in the Settimane Musicali di Stresa, which were established in 1961.
Culture in the Town
Several historical and artistic attractions are located in Stresa. The Museo Artistico Sala Pietro Canonica displays restored sculptures in an exhibition space on the ground floor of Stresa Town Hall. The Centro Internazionale di Studi Rosminiani includes a Historical Museum, Antonio Rosmini’s room and a park. Villa Ducale is the oldest villa in Stresa and was built around 1770 by the Bolongaro family. From 1850 to 1855, it was the residence of the abbot and philosopher Antonio Rosmini. Its garden preserves traces of formal Italian garden design from the late 17th century. The parish church of Stresa was designed at the end of the 18th century in the shape of a Greek cross in the Corinthian order. In 1956, the Pallavicino family converted the garden of Villa Pallavicino into a wildlife museum.
Borromean Islands and Isola dei Pescatori
One of the Borromean Islands is home to an English-style botanical park with rare plants and flowers from many different regions. Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella includes historic rooms, the Galleria del Generale Berthier and a collection of 130 paintings. Palazzo Borromeo on the Borromean Islands also contains historic reception rooms, as well as a collection of marionettes and historic theatre sets. The Baroque Italian garden of Isola Bella consists of ten terraces; the Teatro Massimo stands at its centre.
The Ecomuseo della Pesca on Isola dei Pescatori presents the island’s fishing craft, as well as its life, work, history and traditions. The village of Isola dei Pescatori can be explored on foot via its paved lanes. Many multi-storey houses have long balconies where fish was once dried. The Casa Studio Andrea Ruffoni displays the artist’s works in a studio house and garden.
Gardens, Heights and Trails
The Giardino Alpinia covers approximately 40,000 square metres and includes 1,000 predominantly alpine plant species at an altitude of 800 metres. The summit of Mottarone reaches 1,491 metres and offers views of seven lakes, the Alps and the Po Valley. The heights above Stresa offer a variety of walking trails towards Mottarone and Alto Vergante. Mottarone offers numerous paths and routes for hiking, cycling and horse riding. Parco Pallavicino is home to 50 species of mammals and birds.
Getting Around Stresa
Scheduled services operated by Navigazione Lago Maggiore connect Arona, Stresa and Locarno. The “For All” trail connects Isola dei Pescatori with Giardino Alpinia and is designated as accessible to tourists with special needs. The Stresa Town Trail begins in front of the Stresa tourist office and ferry station. On 7 December, Stresa celebrates the feast of Saint Ambrose as a day of remembrance for the town’s patron saint.
Further destinations: Isola Superiore, Verbania, Traffiume, Cannero Riviera, Bracchio, Cursolo-Orasso, Fondotoce, Gravellona Toce
To the higher-level travel overview: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.
