On the Isola Bella rises the Palazzo Borromeo, the construction of which was started for Carlo III Borromeo in the first half of the 1600s. These were interrupted because of a serious epidemic, and works were then resumed upon initiative of Carlo's son, but only completed in the following centuries: an example of this are the decorations in the main hall, which date back to the beginning of the 1900's. The palace on the Isola Bella, surrounded by splendid Italian style gardens, develops over four floors; the most important halls are on the first floor, and they rotate around the grandiose ballroom, dedicated to parties. This hall, which developed into two floors of height, can be accessed through a spectacular staircase.

Another of the Isole Borromee, the Isola Madre, hosts a second Palazzo, of more Spartan style, which rises along the southern side and the highest part of the island. The Palace has two accesses, North and South, connected to the same amount of landing places: from the south you can access piazzale della Cappella, towards the main entrance of the building; from the north on the other hand, passing through a gate and steps that go across the whole island, you reach a square the palace looks upon. The are many halls that are rendered back to the style of the age, completed with a rich collection of Lombard 17th century paintings. Outside the palace rise the sepulchral chapel of the Borromeo family.

In the city of Stresa rises Villa Pallavicino, an edifice from the late Neoclassic era with a solemn and austere facade, looking over a huge zoological park. Marquee Ludovico Pallavicino di Genova was responsible, in 1862, for the enlargement of the original project of the park, which was fixed up in "English style" and connected through some pathways to the bulk of the dwelling. The zoological garden, which is now open to the public, is a 20 hectare area of flowered alleys and secular trees, as well as a botanical garden, with more then forty species of animals between mammals and exotic birds.

Villa Ponti is an 18th century building, in the historical centre of Arona, a few paces away from the lago Maggiore, built on the bastions of the Tower of a rich merchant who supported Napoleon I, who was a guest here after the Egypt campaign.

Villa Giulia's story, on the other hand, is connected to the events of the Branca family: the building was commissioned in 1847 by Bernardino Branca, the inventor of the Fernet liqueur, and dedicated to his son's wife. The facade that looks onto the street is simple and austere, whereas the one that looks onto the lake is decorated with loggias and columns on all floors. Currently Villa Giulia and its garden are used for conventions, concerts and cultural events.

Finally, a visit is also deserved by the Palazzo and the Giardini Estensi in Varese. The Varese villa dates back to the 1760 and was built in 1766 by the Duke of Modena Francesco III D'Este, who started its restoration. Works were finished within five years, at the end of which one of the most interesting 8th century gardens in Lombardy saw the light, built in the inspiration of the wondrous scenography of the Viennese residence of Schonnbrunn.

July.2002