Some history
by Manara
The origins of Stresa are very old. For many centuries it was just a fishermen's village, but at Napoleon's time there were already several villas in this area, all belonging to aristocrats.
More villas were built in the second half of the 19th century, by tycoons of the Milan area, after Stresa ceased to be "abroad" for the people of Lombardy. In fact, Piedmont and Lombardy belonged for a long time to two different kingdoms.
A substancial increase in tourism was caused by the railway, after a new tunnel in the Alps made it easier to get to Italy from the north. At that time some of the grandest hotels of Stresa were built.
The Borromeo Islands
by Manara
In my opinion the presence of the three small islands (the Isole Borromee) is a great addition to the lake view from Stresa.
These islands are still the private property of the Borromeo family, but they are open to visitors and the boats of the public service make regular stops there.
Only the Isola Superiore (aka Isola dei Pescatori) can be visited for free. The other two are historical and artistic sites with an entrance fee.
Here I have posted only pictures showing the islands as they can be seen from Stresa. But I have many more, that can be found on other pages on Virtual Tourist.
The Isola Bella has its own page, so my tips and pictures of this island are there.
I have written also tips about the Isola Madre, if you want to read them, and see the pictures, you will find them in the “Things to do” tips on my
Lago Maggiore page.
Stresa alleys
by Callavetta
In order to see Stresa well, it's important to explore the many alley ways and small cobblestone lanes that make up the town. Not a shopper by nature, Stresa was an invitation to buy! Lovely little pottery shops are found around every corner, and the shopkeepers are more than happy to ship your items home.
Also, shops with jewelry, tempting Italian foodstuffs, and cute little bars and trattorias are everywhere.
STRESA
by olja1234
And a beautiful flowers everywhere. A real town of floweres. Even stonemade, as the one on my photo. If you decide to visit this region of Italy. make it in Springtime, when colourful flowers efforescence is in full swing.
The knot garden Isola Bella
by ChrsStrl
The garden is ornate but has some pleasing touches, like the view down to the formal knot garden from the upper terrace (the mattress of the giant's bed to which I earlier referred). There is also a view along the small terrace of orange trees green & vivid after the rain.
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facing the lake
Grand iles des Borromes hotel from above the lake
Funicular
Isola Madre
