Top 6 Castles around Lake Maggiore
Best castles around Lake Maggiore offer a journey through centuries of history, set against a backdrop of alpine scenery and clear waters. This large sub-alpine lake, situated on the south side of the Alps, spans both Switzerland and Italy, providing a diverse cultural landscape. The region is characterized by its dramatic mountain views, lush gardens, and historic towns. Exploring the castles here provides insight into the area's strategic importance and the powerful families who once controlled it.
Best castles around Lake Maggiore
- The most popular castles is Isola Bella Palace and Gardens, a historical site that features a magnificent baroque palace and terraced gardens. It is notable for its collection of art treasures, including paintings and sculptures, and its unique design resembling a ship.
- Another must-see spot is Borromean Fortress of Arona, a castle offering panoramic views. Visitors can explore the ruins and enjoy the scenic surroundings, with refreshment points available during summer months.
- Visitors also love Angera Lakeside Promenade, a viewpoint that offers views of the majestic Rocca Borromea. This area highlights the fusion of history and modernity in the town of Angera, with its rich past from Roman relics to Langobard architecture.
- Lake Maggiore is known for its medieval fortresses, grand palaces, and fortified ruins. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, each with distinct architectural styles and historical significance.
- The castles around Lake Maggiore are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 110 upvotes and over 330 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Isola Bella Palace and Gardens
Highlight • Historical Site
Today Isola Bella is one of the most important sights on Lake Maggiore, which can be reached by boat from Baveno or Stresa. If you intend to take a boat trip, you should plan a tour of the local gardens and the palace. The picturesque Italian gardens consist of a tenfold stepped terrace, which is laid out in the shape of a truncated pyramid. These gardens are not only decorated with mythological and allegorical statues, fountains, obelisks, exedra and nymphaeans. Cedars, camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, laurel and conifers, magnolias as well as orange and lemon trees are just some of the plants that thrive in the garden of Isola Bella. All terraces together form a semicircle, which is also known as a "theater" due to its shape. In the center of this semicircle is the statue of a unicorn and a coat of arms of the Borromeo family. In addition, you will not miss how art and natural statues and other stone figures with a mythological background enrich the Italian gardens of Isola Bella. Be there when white peacocks strut through the gardens. These animals are a rarity.
Text: lagomaggiore.de/sehenswuerdheiten/isola-bella
lagomaggiore.de/sehenswuerdheiten/isola-bella
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Shell Grottos of the Palazzo Borromeo, Isola Bella
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The magnificent Palazzo Borromeo, the Palazzo Borromeo is like a huge museum
Do not miss the opportunity to enter the sacred halls of the huge baroque palace. The Palazzo Borromeo is like a huge museum that brings together a multitude of precious and unique exhibits. This collection begins with original paintings and furniture, but does not end with sculptures, antique weapons, Flemish tapestries made of silk and gold or frescoes from the 16th to 19th centuries. Impressive halls are hidden behind the lovingly designed facade. In the Palace of Isola Bella, don't just discover the Napoleon Salon. You can also see the throne room, the alcove room, the armory or the dance hall. The Palazzo Borromeo also houses a music hall, where a famous historical event took place in 1932. At that time, representatives from France, Italy and England took part in the historic Stresa Conference. The palace is divided into six underground halls, completely deliberately imitating natural grottos, the walls of which are clad in tufa. In addition, the walls are decorated with mosaics and fantastic stucco work depicting fairytale underwater worlds. This architectural ensemble is rounded off by replicated stalactites, which are complemented by objects and relics of the Golasecca culture that are difficult to define. If you leave the picturesque gardens and Palazzo Borromeo behind you on Isola Bella, the small village is sure to catch your eye. There are a few restaurants and shops in this village.
Text: lagomaggiore.de/sehenswuerdheiten/isola-bella
lagomaggiore.de/sehenswuerdheiten/isola-bella
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Borromean Fortress of Arona
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Iron House
Highlight • Historical Site
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Hotel Castello Seeschloss
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The small fortress originally encompassed an area of 41 x 54 metres enclosed by a wall with 4 guard towers at each corner. The south-eastern wall bordered directly on the lake and had its own jetty. Moats around the three remaining walls offered further protection from potential aggressors.
After 400 years the de'Ghiriglioni family returned to Milan in the 17th century.
While the Western area of the castle was almost completely destroyed over the centuries, the Eastern part remains and ist today the Hotel Castello Seeschloss. You can stay in the south-eastern tower.
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Spectacular view of the city of Arona and Lake Maggiore
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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.
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You should definitely plan enough time to visit the palace, because it is really worth it.
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The Palazzo Borromeo is very impressive. It feels like you've stepped back in time. https://terreborromeo.it/de/palazzo-borromeo
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Once you arrive in Arona, walk along the lakeside and have an ice cream, go up to visit the statue of S. Carlone but... don't forget to visit the Rocca too! Founded in a period shortly before the year 1000 under the control of the Lombards, for four centuries the Rocca remained in the hands of the Borromeo family, giving birth to Cardinal San Carlo Borromeo in 1538; the history of the Rocca di Arona ends in 1800 when the Napoleonic army received the order to destroy some fortifications occupied by the Austrians; from that moment on only a few ruins of the Rocca di Arona remain. From above you can also enjoy a spectacular view of Arona below, of Angera opposite and of this entire stretch of lake!
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Until 1632, Isola Bella was a rocky outcrop on which a small fishing village stood. Carlo III Borromeo began leveling the rock and building a palace on the island for his wife, Isabella D'Adda. The Palazzo Borromeo and its gardens are a prime example of Baroque art. The palace features salons with views of the lake, numerous paintings by famous artists, precious furniture, marble, neoclassical stucco, ancient sculptures, armor, and Flemish tapestries made of silk with gold thread. The basement contains several shell grottoes with light and dark stone and shell decorations. The gardens are staircased and pyramid-shaped, based on ancient models, and are bordered by balustrades, on which numerous statues of mythological heroes and animals are scattered. Source: Wikipedia
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Built in 1560 according to the wishes of the Uri mercenary leader Peter A Pro, as a military base for the recruitment of mercenaries. The complex includes one massive square-plan building with a projecting top part, with walkway and machicolations. Adjacent is a rectangular two-floor building, with iron gratings on the ground floor windows. Inside are corridors and hiding places. It’s also known as “La Vignaccia”. Close to Minusio are also the ruins of the “Fraccia”, a wall with towers built during the Fourteenth Century. Unfortunately, it's not open to the public.
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The castello was built in the first half of the 13th century and was the residence of the Milanese Noble family de'Ghiriglioni. The small fortress originally encompassed an area of 41 x 54 metres enclosed by a wall with 4 guard towers at each corner. The south-eastern wall bordered directly on the lake and had its own jetty. Moats around the three remaining walls offered further protection from potential aggressors. After 400 years the de'Ghiriglioni family returned to Milan in the 17th century. While the Western area of the castle was almost completely destroyed over the centuries, the Eastern part remains and ist today the Hotel Castello Seeschloss. You can stay in the south-eastern tower.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical castles can I explore around Lake Maggiore?
Lake Maggiore is rich in historical castles. The Isola Bella Palace and Gardens offers a magnificent baroque palace and terraced gardens with art treasures. The Borromean Fortress of Arona provides panoramic views from its ruins. On the Lombard shore, the Rocca di Angera is a remarkably well-preserved medieval fortress, home to the Hall of Justice with 13th-century frescoes and a Museum of Dolls and Toys. In Locarno, the Castello Visconteo serves as an archaeological museum, showcasing artifacts from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.
Are there any family-friendly castles or attractions near Lake Maggiore?
Yes, several castles offer family-friendly experiences. The Rocca di Angera is particularly suitable for families, featuring a fascinating Museum of Dolls and Toys with over a thousand examples from various eras. The Shell Grottos of the Palazzo Borromeo, Isola Bella, part of the larger Isola Bella complex, is also noted as family-friendly, with its unique grottoes and gardens. The Castelli di Cannero, with its new immersive museum experience, is designed to engage visitors of all ages with interactive content and augmented reality.
Which castles offer the best panoramic views of Lake Maggiore?
For breathtaking views, the Borromean Fortress of Arona is an excellent choice, offering expansive vistas from its elevated position. The Rocca di Angera also provides panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains from its majestic perch. Additionally, the Castello Visconteo in Locarno offers stunning views over Lake Maggiore from within its walls.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles of Lake Maggiore?
The region around Lake Maggiore's castles offers numerous outdoor activities. You can find various hiking trails, from easy to difficult, such as the 'Historic Lime Kilns Loop' or the 'Cammino del Lago Maggiore'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling routes like 'From Arona to Mottarone'. You can explore more options in the Hiking around Lake Maggiore and Road Cycling Routes around Lake Maggiore guides.
When is the best time to visit the castles around Lake Maggiore?
The best time to visit the castles around Lake Maggiore is generally during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) months. During these periods, the weather is pleasant for exploring, and the natural scenery, including the castle gardens, is at its most vibrant. Summer months (July and August) are also popular, but can be warmer and more crowded. Some castles, like the Borromean Fortress of Arona, have refreshment points open during summer.
Are there any castles that have been recently restored or offer unique modern experiences?
Yes, the Castelli di Cannero have undergone an ambitious restoration project, completed in 2025. They now offer a unique immersive museum experience utilizing location-based audio guides, augmented reality installations, and interactive content to bring their history to life. This transformation allows for an engaging exploration of their past, including tales of piracy and border conflicts.
Can I visit the Rocca di Angera, and what makes it special?
Yes, the Rocca di Angera is open to visitors. It's special due to its remarkable preservation as a medieval fortified building, continuously owned by the Borromeo family since 1449. Highlights include the 13th-century frescoes in the Hall of Justice, the extensive Museum of Dolls and Toys, and a meticulously recreated medieval garden. It also offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Maggiore.
What kind of historical artifacts can I see at the Castello Visconteo in Locarno?
The Castello Visconteo in Locarno houses an archaeological museum with over 10,000 artifacts. These exhibits offer insights into the region's history from prehistoric times through Roman occupation to the Middle Ages. Visitors can expect to see items such as Celtic helmets, medieval weapons, and Roman-era coins, providing a comprehensive look at the area's past.
Are there any lakeside promenades or viewpoints near the castles?
Yes, the Angera Lakeside Promenade is a notable viewpoint that offers excellent views of the majestic Rocca Borromea (Rocca di Angera). This promenade highlights the blend of history and modernity in the town of Angera and is a pleasant spot for a stroll with castle views.
What is the history behind the Castelli di Cannero?
The Castelli di Cannero are ruins situated on two rocky islets, originally the site of the Castello della Malpaga, a stronghold for the Mazzarditi family known for piracy in the 15th century. Later, between 1519 and 1521, Ludovico Borromeo built the Rocca Vitaliana fortress over these remnants. The main part of the castle on the eastern islet still features massive walls built directly on the water and some towers, now part of an immersive museum experience.
Are there any castles around Lake Maggiore that host cultural events?
The Castello Visconteo in Locarno frequently hosts cultural events. These can include art exhibitions, concerts, and historical reenactments, bringing the castle's rich history to life for visitors. It's advisable to check their official schedule for upcoming events during your visit.
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