The Isola Madre Botanical Garden is Madre Island’s own slice of Eden. Dating back to the 16th century, the botanical garden is one of Italy’s oldest. Today it showcases a remarkable collection of rare and exotic plants in the grounds of a centuries-old palazzo. Explore the English-style terraced garden, which is spread across the island’s 7.8-hectare (19.8-acre) area.
Isola Madre was first landscaped by Earl Lancillotto Borromeo, who built a grand palace in 1590 on the former grounds of a church dedicated to St. Victor. The earl established an olive grove before transforming parts of the estate into botanical displays. The garden was updated over the centuries and is now laid out in a distinctive English style.
Wander around the garden’s terraces, admiring Isola Madre’s horticultural highlights. Subtropical species thrive in this climate, so you might see some of the island’s exotic flowers in bloom. Be alert to spot the lilac-colored flowers of the garden’s wisteria vines, which blossom spring through early summer.
Year-round highlights include the garden’s jubaeae spectabilis palm, which is more than a century old, and the 200-year-old Kashmir cypress tree. Follow the winding trails to arrive at viewpoints that showcase the surrounding lakeshores. Admire the unfolding views of Baveno and Isola Superiore to the west and Pallanza to the northeast. You might come across some of the island’s resident birds, which include Chinese pheasants, showy peacocks and brightly colored parrots.
Don’t miss a visit to the garden’s exquisite 16th-century palace. Enter the palazzo to see its authentic period furnishings and grand halls, including the Sala delle Bambole (Hall of Dolls) and the Sala delle Stagioni (Hall of Seasons).
Isola Madre is easy to reach by private and public boat services departing from Stresa, Arona, Pallanza and Baveno. Consider renting an English audio guide. The price of admission includes access to the botanical gardens and the palazzo. The island is open to visitors daily between March and October.
