Isola Madre is the largest island of the Isole Borromee. The island is occupied by several buildings and architectural structures and is especially well known for its gardens. 

The Palazzo Borromeo was built in the sixteenth century on the remains of the early church. 

Chinas and liveries, family portraits, tapestries and four-poster beds embellished with rich brocades are some of the items on display which paint a colourful picture of what live was like in the Palazzo during the 16^th and 17^th Centuries.  There are some stunning views form the windows looking over to the neighbouring islands of Isola Bella and Isola Pescatori.

The gardens during the 1500’s were originally laid out as orchards, then an olive grove and finally a citrus grove. 

Today the gardens have been transformed into a beautiful botanical garden. There is no trace of these earlier gardens since it was completely redesigned about 150 years ago in an informal English style garden covering about eight hectares.

Although the layout and general appearance is English, the plant selection is rather different because of the more exotic plants that can grow in the climate here. 

Various paths in the gardens lead to the edge of Lake Maggiore.