Isola Superiore: Fishing Culture, Island Traditions and Lake Fish
Accommodation in Isola Superiore
Fishing Culture and Historic Sites
The Fishing Ecomuseum encompasses the entire area of Isola Superiore, also known as Isola dei Pescatori. Important outdoor sites and historic buildings are linked by a visitor route. Anyone planning the route should therefore consider the outdoor sites and historic buildings as parts of a museum experience spread throughout the island area.
A small fishing museum was established on the ground floor of Casa Ugo Ara in 2016. The fishing museum displays materials and objects donated by fishermen and other island residents. The Fishing Ecomuseum offers school groups themed tours and workshop experiences. Both formats explore historical, environmental, artistic and anthropological aspects of the island.
Art and Notable Buildings
The Church of San Vittore is located at the highest point of the island ridge. Andrea Ruffoni developed his own technique, in which plastic materials are burned and melted on a metal mesh. The process is directly connected with Ruffoni’s artistic work. The house museum, studio and private garden of the artist Andrea Ruffoni (1925–1990) were open to the public from 2016.
Island Traditions Throughout the Year
The Ferragosto tradition includes an auction of donations during the day after Mass. During Ferragosto week, a traditional bocce tournament is also held at the so-called “tail” of the island. The two customs therefore differ in their specific occasion: the auction follows Mass, while the tournament is tied to Ferragosto week.
On the eve of Epiphany, children walk through the island’s streets. They make noise with cans, tin cans and lids tied to strings in order to wake Befana. Here, Befana is called carga vegia. During Carnival, a long table is set up along the waterfront, where island residents gather for polenta and wine.
Nets and the Island’s Classification
Colourful former fishing nets on the houses, balconies, arcades and narrow lanes of Isola Superiore recall a local tradition of fishing and repairing nets by hand. The nets thus point to an earlier craft practice associated with the island’s fishing activities. Within the Aree Protette del Ticino e del Lago Maggiore, Isola Superiore is designated as “di transito”.
Passenger Boat and Lake Fish
As part of the tour of the Borromean Islands, a passenger boat reaches Isola dei Pescatori, that is, Isola Superiore, from Isola Bella in five minutes. This short journey forms a clearly defined section of the tour of the Borromean Islands. There, visitors can explore the characteristic village and have lunch in a typical restaurant. Restaurants and osterias on Isola dei Pescatori serve lake fish from Lake Maggiore, including perch, whitefish, pike-perch, char and bleak.
For the main travel overview: Stresa.
