Italian lakes part two

Our second day at Stresa saw us taking the local ferry service.

We headed out to the island of Isola Bella. There is a baroque palace there as well as beautiful gardens.

The construction of the palazzo was begun in 1632 by Carlos 111 of the house of Borromeo. The family still owns the island and the nearby Isola Madre island and still use the private apartments at the top of the palazzo during the summer.

The island is laid out to look like a boat.

This is a model of the island

The furniture was beautiful. This chair was a mixture of needlepoint and petit point.

The table was set with Venetian glass.

An inlaid cabinet

This is the ballroom

The top of this table was decorated with very fine mosaics.

Here is a close up detail.

Puppet plays were held in the little theatre.

There was an impressive tapestry gallery.

The gardens were really worth looking at.

The micro climate is suitable for growing a vast array of trees and plants.

This fellow thought he was rather good looking as well.

Everything was beautifully planned and tended.

We took the ferry onto Isola Madre.

There is an impressive palazzo there as well. 

You are not allowed to take photos inside.

It has many fine paintings and furniture.

It was a very relaxing way to spend the day.