Borromeo's Islands

Borromeo's Islands, a group of four small islands on the west side of Lago Maggiore, Northern Italy. They are situated in the western arm of the lake, and are named after the ancient family of Borromeo. Vitaliano, Count Borromeo, about 1671, caused soil to be carried to them, built terraces, and converted them into beautiful gardens. The two most celebrated are Isola Bella and Isola Madre. On the west side of Isola Bella, which rises above the water in ten successive terraces, stands a palace of the Borromeo family, containing many admirable paintings and other works of art. Isola Madre is laid out in the same terraced style, and is crowned by a now dilapidated palace. The Isola de' Pescatori is inhabited by about 200 fishermen. Jean Paul Richter has described the place in his Titan.