(map) Isola Bella, Lago Maggiore
Of the many wondrous sights to see on Isola Bella, one of the most wondrous of all is the shell grotto in the Palazzo Borromeo. The stately palace dominates one side of the island, while its elaborate, ten-tiered baroque-style gardens fill the opposite side. Connecting the two areas is the shell grotto.
Descend a staircase from the main level of the palace into the grotto. The series of six rooms were first conceived in 1685, by Vitaliano the Sixth, with the aid of the architect Filippo Cagnulo. It took 100 years to complete them.
In the cavern-like coolness, now as then, the rooms provide a refuge from the summer heat. Every inch of space, including ceilings, floors, and archways, is covered in a mosaic of black and white shells and pebbles. A marble lady is sleeping. Shh…don’t disturb her. She plans to stay dreaming for a long time to come. Down here in the grotto, it’s easy to think you are in a dream.
– Contributed by Dana Kaplan, Freelance writer, proofreader, and copyeditor. Author of StresaSights, a great blog about a beautiful town.
October 21st, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Thank you Dana. My one time out of the UK during my childhood (age 11) was to Switzerland with a couple of daytrips into Italy. One was to Isola Bella and I hadn’t thought about this fabulous grotto in years! Therefore my first experience of Italy which seemed so exotic and strange to me then. Great note and beautiful images.
October 21st, 2009 at 1:54 pm
I have been to Isola Bella a few times. This past summer I took two of my granddaughters with me. They were quite impressed with the palace.They especially liked this grotto.It is really quite beautiful. At one time there were many small shops tht sold lovely ceramics on this this island. We were disapointed that most of them had closed. Across the lake is the statue of Charles Borremeo which is fondly known as “Big Charlie”.His small residence is also there. I believe he was a cardinal and the Borromeo’s had hoped he would someday become the Pope. Although he had taken a vow of poverty I am sure he visited the family palace quite often.
October 21st, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Penny, what a perfect and magical first experience in Italy for an 11-year old girl! No wonder it sparked your life-long fascination.
Giovanna, you are right about all. The island had been, for hundreds of years, home to ceramic artisans. Now sadly, few shops remain. They are there though, if you know where to look. The statue of “Carlone” is in Arona, and can be climbed inside. I’ve written a note about him previously.
October 21st, 2009 at 3:06 pm
This brought back a big smile to my face as I visited the grotto just this spring and loved it!!!!! It is a purely magical place and I could just envision the children over the years having great fun down there in the heat of the summer!
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:50 am
This has been a dream! to review the grotto and the statue!How can anyone forget at that MAGNIFICENCE!Only tears of joy!!!
December 16th, 2009 at 4:53 am
we visited the area in 2008…how beautiful and amazing. In Denver CO the is an artist by the name of John D’andrea..I went to high school with him. He also has sculpted a reclining lady which has toured all over the us to various museums.