Easy hikes and walks around Lake Maggiore

Parish of St. Victor Martyr, Isola Bella This church was originally a ninth-century chapel, preserving the small original apse as a chapel. It may have been a dependency of the Abbey of St. Donato in Sesto Calende and was dedicated to St. Gandolfo. In the 1600s, the Borromeo family demolished an old church dedicated to St. Vittorio to build their gardens. They moved the saint's remains to their present site on Isola Pescatori. This church was enlarged in 1627 in Gothic and Renaissance styles, when the original apse became a simple chapel dedicated to St. Victor. Inside, there are preserved frescoes and a seventeenth-century high altar with busts of the four bishops—St. Ambrose of Milan, St. Gaudentius of Novara, St. Francis de Sales, and St. Charles Borromeo—typical of the Ambrosian cult. St. Vittorio's relics, consisting of an urn supposedly containing his bones, are located beneath the altar. Vittorio was a soldier who lived during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. He was beheaded in 303 AD. He was venerated primarily in Milan, where a mosaic inscription in the chapel dedicated to the saint in the Ambrosian Basilica tells the story of his life. In Milan, Victor and his companions received the faith. They performed military service for the Church and declared themselves Christians. The cult of Saint Victor spread from Milan, especially in the churches of the Verbania area, and by the 13th century, there were more than 60 churches dedicated to him. His relics were originally located in Milan, but in the 8th century they were brought to Isola Madre, where a church was built in the 10th century. As the cult declined in importance, the remains and this church were moved to Isola Bello and then to Text: Alpharetta, Georgia https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g2292179-d11964156-r451512763-Chiesa_di_San_Vittore-Isola_Pescatori_Stresa_Lake_Maggiore_Piedmont.html

The Church of San Vittore. The Island's Landmark The most striking sight on Isola dei Pescatori is the Church of San Vittore. This national monument boasts attractions such as an original apse decorated with single-arched windows dating back to the 11th century. Later, the church was expanded to include two chapels dedicated to the Sacred Heart and the Virgin. The Church of San Vittore has existed in its present grandeur since around 1600. The interior houses an impressive 16th-century fresco depicting Saint Agatha. In addition to various 17th-century paintings, the church houses wooden busts of the apostles Peter and Andrew, known as the patron saints of fishermen. Stroll through the island to admire this architectural gem. Several shops welcome you to purchase regional specialties and souvenirs. Several piers for passenger boats and water taxis are located on the island. These vehicles mainly enter the island's harbor area. Your special attention is required at this harbor entrance, as a life-size statue of the Praying Madonna is immortalized here, which is said to offer protection to the island. Text: lagomaggiore.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/isola-dei-pescatori https://www.lagomaggiore.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/isola-dei-pescatori

Isola Pescatori, Lake Maggiore Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen's Island), also called Isola Superiore (Upper Island), is one of the Borromean Islands in Lake Maggiore. Located in the municipality of Stresa, it is the only island in the lake that has been permanently inhabited since the beginning of the 14th century. The elongated island stretches approximately 350 meters from northwest to southeast and is about 100 meters wide at its widest point. The 3.4-hectare area is home to a fishing village in the southeast. An old avenue characterizes the northwest of the island. The harbor is located on the island's southern shore. There, fishermen have moorings for their boats, some of which are protected by a high stone wall. It also houses piers for water taxis and passenger boats. Isola dei Pescatori had 208 inhabitants in 1971, but by the last census (2001), the number had dropped to just 57. Sights The island's most striking building is the parish church, dedicated to Saint Victor (San Vittore). The multi-story houses feature characteristic long balconies, on whose railings fish is traditionally dried. The harbor entrance is protected by a life-size statue of the Praying Madonna. Text: Wikipedia https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isola_dei_Pescatori

Isola dei Pescatori (Isola Superiore) "The Fishermen's Island" Isola dei Pescatori, also known as Fishermen's Island or Isola Superiore, is the only permanently inhabited island. Its characteristic alleys and houses with long balconies for drying fish, the small village square, the tree-lined promenade, and the main street make it one of the most romantic and picturesque spots on the lake. Also characteristic is the small market, where local handicrafts are sold, which attracts many tourists. Text / Source: Lago-Maggiore.de https://www.lago-maggiore.de/ausflugsziele/borromaeische-inseln.html

Isola dei Pescatori (Isola Superiore) "The Fishermen's Island" on Lake Maggiore Isola dei Pescatori, also known as Fishermen's Island or Isola Superiore, is the only permanently inhabited island. Its characteristic alleys and houses with long balconies for drying fish, the small village square, the tree-lined promenade, and the main street make it one of the most romantic and picturesque spots on the lake. Also characteristic is the small market selling local handicrafts, which attracts many tourists. Text / Source: Lago-Maggiore.de https://www.lago-maggiore.de/ausflugsziele/borromaeische-inseln.html

Time for rest and reflection – here you can even escape the tourist crowds and immerse yourself – physically and mentally...

It's a shame that you have to pay for every extra and every nice thing, but that's just the way it is - but of course it's definitely worth it; perhaps you should consider before your trip which sights are so important that you're "happy" to pay for them.

You should definitely plan enough time to visit the palace, because it is really worth it.