Isola Bella Written and photographed by Joseph Hillenmeyer
Throughout history men have searched for awe-inspiring ways to show adoration for the women in their lives. Outside of the Taj Mahal few men have gone as far as Italian aristocrat, Carlo III of the House of Borromeo. In 1632 the wealthy and influential Carlo paid tribute to his wife, Isabella, by taking a rocky outcropping in Lago Maggiore, located in the lakes region of northern Italy, and created one of the finest palazzo and gardens in Italy. Over the next forty years, and after countless boat loads of topsoil and building materials had been shipped in, the palazzo and garden took shape over the lake in an impressive monument to his beloved wife. Since its inception the gardens and palazzo have been enjoyed by the likes of such historic figures as Napoleon, his wife Josephine and by Caroline of Brunswick, the Princess 22 slmag.net
of Wales. She was so enamored with the island that she offered to purchase it but was turned down, thus creating the construction of the Villa d’Este on nearby by Lake Como. Now, nearly four centuries later Isola Bella remains in the hands of the Borromeo family and has been opened to the public, allowing visitors the opportunity to view this delightful garden. Horticulturaly, the lakes region of Italy is unique, and Lago Maggiore is no exception. The lake’s prime location, surrounded by the foothills of the Swiss Alps, actually enjoys an almost Mediterranean climate due to the trapping of humidity by the mountains, thus locking the moist air in around the lake.
