Piemonte: Stresa

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Stresa is a well-known and regarded resort in the middle of Lago Maggiore (west bank) facing the Isole Borromee/Borromean Islands. The town is full of villas, gardens, Liberty style hotels and a promenade on the lake. There’s a lovely villa just outside of town (Villa Pallavicino) which has gardens and a "zoo" (animals roam freely). The Villa Ducale (18^th century) is now the Collegio Rosmini where the Rosminians run a school/center for Rosmini studies (based on two ideals: never assume outside works of charity unless some powerful and positive manifestation of God’s will has been shown – the principle of passivity and when given a clear sign from God has been shown, take on the work at hand quickly without reservation of any kind – the principle of indifference). I know that may be more than you need to know, but I found it interesting when I was there. In the church is the tomb of the priest and philosopher Antonio Rosmini Serbati. There are boat trips on the lake and over to the Borromean Islands (Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori). Isola Bella (named after Isabella Borromeo) is shaped like a ship (man made) and houses the fabulous palazzo (17^th century) with some important works of art, tapestries, chandeliers, state-rooms, the hall of mirrors and more. The gardens and grottoes/caves are worth a visit too. Isola Madre has a 19^th century villa and massive gardens with exotic flowers, plants and birds. Isola dei Pescatori is a little fishing village with the 16^th century St. Vittare church. There are cafes and restaurants on these islands too. In the mountains above Stresa is Monte Mottarone (think skiing) where you can see the entire lake and mountains. There’s also an umbrella museum on the way up to Monte Mottarone (very curious – very cool).