Hotel Della Torre
Stresa - Via Sempione Nord 45
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Regarded by many as “the queen of Lake Maggiore”, Stresa is bordered on one side by the serene waters of the lake and on the other by the slopes of Monte Mottarone. The town sits along the western shore of Lago Verbano (the alternative name for Lake Maggiore) within the Golfo Borromeo, and its territory even encompasses the Borromean Islands. In summer, many visitors from Piedmont and beyond flock to Stresa for its cool climate, stunning landscapes and countless activities on offer.
In particular, Stresa’s territory can be divided into four areas: the lakefront zone, the Borromean Islands, the hillside area and the mountain zone. The coastal section overlooks Lake Maggiore and contains the town’s oldest nucleus, whilst the island area comprises three of the four Borromean Islands (Isola Madre, Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori); the hillside area, meanwhile, is made up of several small hamlets that command views over Lake Maggiore from above and are perfect for keen walkers. Finally, the mountain zone is home to the Mottarone ski resort, which attracts visitors year-round.
Stresa’s strategic location between Piedmont, Lombardy and Switzerland has made the town an ideal base for exploring many destinations in the surrounding regions. Moreover, its proximity to Malpensa Airport, motorway connections and the Simplon railway have made Stresa an easily accessible tourist destination.
Stresa’s town centre is compact, elegant and well-maintained, with Piazza Cadorna being considered one of the main gathering spots. Walking through the town’s streets, you’ll find numerous residences and historic churches. Just beyond the centre lies the lakefront, where you can admire villas surrounded by splendid gardens, historic restaurants, bars and luxury hotels.
Villa Ducale, also known as Palazzo Bolongaro, is Stresa’s oldest villa, having been built by the Bolongaro family around 1770. In 1848, philosopher Antonio Rosmini inherited the palazzo, which subsequently became a gathering place for many artists, intellectuals and figures of the Italian Risorgimento.
Upon Rosmini’s death in 1857, the Villa passed to the House of Savoy, who transformed it into the official residence of Duchess Elisabetta of Genoa, whose daughter Margherita was proclaimed Queen of Italy after marrying Umberto I.
Since 1966, the Villa has housed the International Centre for Rosmini Studies, which aims to promote Antonio Rosmini’s philosophical thought. Surrounding the palazzo is a garden spanning approximately 13,000 m², which hosts numerous exotic plant species.
The Borromean Islands are an archipelago consisting of three islands, one islet and a rocky outcrop. Isola Madre, Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and the Malghera rock all belong to Stresa’s municipal territory, whilst Isolino di San Giovanni falls within Verbania’s jurisdiction.
The Isola dei Pescatori is the only one still inhabited by a small community, whilst the other islands welcome day-trippers. Until 1630, Isola Bella was inhabited solely by fishermen, but the Borromeo family then began constructing a magnificent estate that now comprises a grand palazzo and a stunning garden.
Isola Madre, meanwhile, hosts a splendid English-style Botanical Park created in the 19th century. Since then, the park has been home to plants and flowers from distant and often exotic locations that thrive here thanks to favourable temperatures.
Villa Pallavicino was originally built in 1855 by Ruggero Bonghi, a Neapolitan statesman and man of letters, but later passed to the Pallavicino family, who undertook alterations transforming the property into a 19th-century neoclassical residence. Situated right on Stresa’s lakefront, the villa is surrounded by a park of approximately 18 hectares. In 1956, the park was transformed into a wildlife museum open to the public. Within it you’ll find centuries-old trees including chestnuts, red beeches, maples, larches, ginkgo biloba, sequoias, magnolias and a magnificent cedar of Lebanon. Pallavicino Park is now a true oasis of peace that also hosts various mammal and bird species.
The Church of Santi Ambrogio and Theodulo is dedicated to the two patron saints of the Piedmontese town and was erected between 1786 and 1790. The church has retained its original interior appearance and features a Greek cross floor plan with two large chapels on either side.
Over the centuries, the walls have been decorated with frescoes depicting the triumph of Religion, the glory of St Ambrose and St Theodulo, St Monica, St Marcellina, St Satyr, St Augustine and the four Evangelists. Externally, the façade was restored in 1959 by architect Cesare Mercandino.
The Alpinia Garden sits in a panoramic location at 800 metres altitude and was established in 1934 thanks to the work of engineer Igino Ambrosini and other alpine flora enthusiasts. Currently, the garden extends across approximately 40,000 m² and is home to 1,000 plant species and a spring of mineral-poor water that rises from Monte Mottarone. From here you can also enjoy magnificent panoramic views across the entire Lake Maggiore.
Stresa is a welcoming, hospitable town with plenty of accommodation options. The lakefront, in particular, is characterised by the presence of large hotels and luxury establishments offering wonderful views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding landscape. Alternatively, for a peaceful stay, you can lodge on the Isola dei Pescatori, the only inhabited island in the Borromean archipelago.
Stresa is easily accessible by car, train or boat. The town is one of the docking ports for tourist ferries on Lake Maggiore, so from Stresa you can reach numerous lakeside destinations.
From Milan, Stresa can be reached by car via the A8 and then the A26 to the Carpugnino exit. At Carpugnino, head towards the SS33 del Sempione road leading to Stresa. From Novara, take the A26 to Carpugnino exit and then the SS33, whilst from Como you can take the A8 followed by the A26.
The town has a railway station on the Milan-Domodossola line and is well connected to both the Lombardy capital and other towns such as Rho, Arona and Verbania. Stresa is also just over 50 km from Milan’s international airport, Malpensa.
What's the weather at Stresa? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Stresa for the next few days.
Stresa is a charming town situated on the Piedmont shore of Lake Maggiore, in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province. The town lies 20 km from Arona, 90 km from Milan and 78 km from Novara.
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