Palazzo Borromeo dell'Isola Madre

About the museum

Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands, was gradually transformed from a farming estate, planted with vines, figs, olives, chestnuts and cherries, into a large botanical garden at the initiative of Count Lancillotto Borromeo. After his death the property passed to the Trivulzio family and returned to the Borromeo in 1563. The island changed its name several times: San Vittore, Isola Maggiore, Isola Renata and finally Isola Madre.

On the highest point of the island stands the palace, which dates from the 16th century; it was built as an unpretentious building and later became the residence of the Borromeo family. Today it is a museum that, through its rooms and furnishings, tells of everyday life in a private, intimate and family residence, with evidence from the 17th century.

Over time the garden has been enriched with rare plants and species, taking on an increasingly romantic and exotic character. The first greenhouses date from 1826; in 1858 the family’s private chapel was built on a lower level, and orchids arrived in the early 20th century. The mild climate allows spectacular flowering: camellias from March, azaleas and proteas in April, rhododendrons, roses, cacti and water lilies in May and June, hibiscus and bougainvillea in summer.

The complex is run by Terre Borromeo, together with the family’s other sites on Lake Maggiore.

Highlights

• Borromeo palace, a 16th-century residence converted into a museum with furnished rooms
• Eight-hectare botanical garden with camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and subtropical plants
• Viale Africa, in the sun, with citrus trees, cacti and aloes
• Family private chapel of 1858
• Colourful birds in the gardens

Permanent exhibition

• Palazzo Borromeo e giardino botanico – Rooms of the 16th-century Borromeo residence and an eight-hectare botanical garden with rare blooms and exotic plants.

Operated by

Terre Borromeo (famiglia Borromeo)

Visitors per year

approx. 200,000

Admission & discounts

The entry ticket includes a self-guided visit of Palazzo Borromeo and the botanical garden. Prices may vary depending on the date of visit, the type of ticket and the booking channel. The following are available for a fee: a guided tour of Palazzo Borromeo with an introduction to the garden, an individual audio guide, and exclusive visits by booking (event@isoleborromee.it).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Because of the island’s terrain and gardens and the restrictions imposed by the heritage authority (Soprintendenza), access may be difficult for people with mobility disabilities; for access arrangements it is advisable to contact the call centre on +39 0323 933 478. Guide dogs and medical assistance dogs are allowed, while other animals may not enter the palace or the gardens.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available

Pushchairs are not allowed inside Palazzo Borromeo.

Getting there & parking

Isola Madre is an island in Lake Maggiore and is reached by boat.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant

On the island there are the Caffetteria La Serra and the Ristorante La Piratera.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit