Stresa!
We spent the weekend in Stresa! This small town sits on beautiful Lake Maggiore and is ringed by mountains, snow-capped in the spring and fall. It sits close to the border in upper Italy, and in fact, you can drive to Switzerland in an hour. Our hotel was situated with the back towards the mountain, and the front facing the lake. Just a quick ferry boat across the lake were three islands. The Borromeo family, over many generations since 1630, lovingly turned their islands into magical retreats, with elaborate villas and fragrant gardens. Isola Bella has the palace and terraced garden; Isola Madre has a villa and sprawling English-style garden. A third island, Isola Pescatori, is simply small, serene, and residential. (Actually only 30 families live on Isola Pescatori) The Borromeos, who made their money from trade and banking, enjoyed the arts. Paintings covered the palace and plays were performed here. My favorite island was named by Charles Borromeo for his wife, Isabella. The island itself is touristy with sourvenir stands and restaurants, but a few back streets provide evidence that people actually live here. While the Borromeo family now lives in Milan, they still spend a few weeks each summer on Isola Bella (you can tell they are here when their blue-and-red family flag flies from the top to the garden) ahmmm.
It is a must to tour the lavishly decorated Baroque palace and gardens. The music room in the palace was the site of the 1935 Stresa Conference, in which Mussolini met with British and French diplomats in a united attempt to scare Germany out of starting World War II. A photocopy of the treaty with Mussolini's signature is on the wall. Napoleon was a visitor of the palace and slept in a room now called The Napoleon Room. There is a painting in the room that shows Napoleon on a bench with his wife and sister enjoying festivities in his honor. Lesson over!!
This the front of our hotel. The two nights we were here, wedding receptions were held in the dinning room that spills out onto the lawn. It is beautifull!
More pictures of the front lawn. People sat outside on the lawn all day in these chairs. Nice waiters would bring you the paper, drinks, lunch, or maybe even a pillow for a nap.
Looking out the front door toward the lake across the street.
The lobby was richly decorated.
This is looking from the back of the dinning room out the open air front to the lawn.
The next set of pictures were taken as we walked around the small streets on two of the islands. We would stop for gelato, pictures, or to just enjoy the views all around us!
Below, Jeff on one of his many rock throwing moments. All three guys couldn't resist throwing rocks into the water that surrounded the island. AND, it was always a contest to see who could throw it the longest or most accurate. Geezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
The lavish gardens off the palace. 
Throwing rocks again!!
Our hotel is just off of Jeff's right shoulder............................see it?
Napoleon's bed!! He slept right there!!! Do you think the canapy is big enough?
The morning we checked out Kevin ran up to the rooftop and took these pictures. There was a sunning deck and jacuzzi!
View of Isola Bella. The early morning mist and low sunlight made for some cool pictures.
I hope you felt like you were here in Stresa with us. If you want, come to Italy and we will take you to Stresa too!
It is a must to tour the lavishly decorated Baroque palace and gardens. The music room in the palace was the site of the 1935 Stresa Conference, in which Mussolini met with British and French diplomats in a united attempt to scare Germany out of starting World War II. A photocopy of the treaty with Mussolini's signature is on the wall. Napoleon was a visitor of the palace and slept in a room now called The Napoleon Room. There is a painting in the room that shows Napoleon on a bench with his wife and sister enjoying festivities in his honor. Lesson over!!
This the front of our hotel. The two nights we were here, wedding receptions were held in the dinning room that spills out onto the lawn. It is beautifull!
More pictures of the front lawn. People sat outside on the lawn all day in these chairs. Nice waiters would bring you the paper, drinks, lunch, or maybe even a pillow for a nap.
Looking out the front door toward the lake across the street.
The lobby was richly decorated.
This is looking from the back of the dinning room out the open air front to the lawn.
The next set of pictures were taken as we walked around the small streets on two of the islands. We would stop for gelato, pictures, or to just enjoy the views all around us! 
Below, Jeff on one of his many rock throwing moments. All three guys couldn't resist throwing rocks into the water that surrounded the island. AND, it was always a contest to see who could throw it the longest or most accurate. Geezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
The lavish gardens off the palace. 
Throwing rocks again!!
Our hotel is just off of Jeff's right shoulder............................see it?
Napoleon's bed!! He slept right there!!! Do you think the canapy is big enough?
The morning we checked out Kevin ran up to the rooftop and took these pictures. There was a sunning deck and jacuzzi!
View of Isola Bella. The early morning mist and low sunlight made for some cool pictures.
I hope you felt like you were here in Stresa with us. If you want, come to Italy and we will take you to Stresa too!
posted by Kathy at 3:53 AM
3 comments
