Today’s motto is “Rise and shine and let beauty save the world!”
Lake Maggiore’s gem: Isola Bella
“Beauty will save the world”, wrote Dostoevsky. Do you agree with this statement? The answer seems pretty obvious when you find yourself in a little corner of paradise. So, let me take you to a heavenly place: Lake Maggiore’s gem, Isola Bella (literally the Beautiful Island). And even though the name of the place comes from the countess Isabella, who lived here, this spot is truly beautiful, or to be precise divine.
From a fishermen village to a luxurious retreat
Until the beginning of the 17th century, it was only a rock inhabited by some fishermen. Since then, it has become the perfect combination of lush vegetation and precious art. Such a drastic change was due to the current owners of the island: the aristocratic Borromeo family.
The closer the ferry gets to the dock, the more the island unveils its riches. So, unsurprisingly, such a stunning view has put a spell on many illustrious guests of the likes of Charles Dickens, Lord Byron and Stendhal. Then as now, the magnificence of the baroque palace strikes you at first sight.
A ‘humble’ (yet not-so-humble) abode
Let me show you around some of its rooms, starting with the spacious two-storey dance hall. White stucco decorations and the marble flooring seem to contrast with the Borromeo motto on the dome-shaped roof: Humilitas (literally ‘Humility’). And as we move forward, we see paintings, statues, tapestries, and even a throne for when Napoleon was here. It’s not such a humble abode after all. But, my favourite artwork is the 17th-century gilded harpsichord with a mythological scene painted inside it. And what about the artificial grottoes offering relief from the summer heat, before the invention of air conditioning.
A open air theatre overlooking the Lake Maggiore
But the Italian-style garden is no less impressive. From the so-called atrium of Diana, a grid of tree-lined paths leads to the most spectacular corner: Teatro Massimo, decorated with fountains, sculptures and obelisks. Can you imagine what it must have been like to witness performances in such a wonderful setting? A Unicorn (the symbol of the Borromeo family), ridden by Cupid, towers over the landscape where some exotic hosts get most of today visitors’ attention. It’s the white peacocks fanning out their tail feathers. And that’s how our travel to Isola Bella, ends. But we’ll come back to Lake Maggiore to visit another Borromean Island: the Mother Island (Isola Madre). See you next time!
Watch our recommended video on Lake Maggiore’s gem: Isola Bella
(Source: sigi5311)
