Lakeview Apartments!!

Lakeview Apartments!!
Bella Vista 1-bedroom holiday rentals

Heart of Stresa Apartments!!

Heart of Stresa Apartments!!
Stresa Apartments 1-bedroom holiday rentals

SEARCH THIS BLOG

STRESA WEATHER

STRESA WEATHER
Click for Forecast

2019 DATES COMING SOON

2019 DATES COMING SOON
CLICK HERE!

STRESA MAP

Malpensa / Stresa Bus

Malpensa / Stresa Bus
Available From 1 April to 13 Oct 2019 - Click to Book -
Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Isola Madre


Each of the three Borromeo Islands has such a unique personality. If Isola dei Pescatori is a quaint home to simple fishermen, and Isola Bella boasts a palatial, magnificent abode for princes and princes, then Isola Madre falls in between the two. I would describe Madre as lush, verdant, and the most comfortable of the three islands. It is also the one on which you will see the least evidence of souvenir shops and other touristic trappings, and therefore the easiest in which to lose yourself.

The largest of the Borromeo Islands, Isola Madre is famous for its azalea, rhododendron, and camelia bushes, but also for the Cashmere Cyprus, the largest example in all of Europe and over 200 years old. Citrus plants were introduced to the island at the beginning of the 1500s by Lancillotto Borromeo, having been brought from Liguria. The microclimate of the island allows them to flourish, giving more of a tropical feel. The villa, built in the sixteenth century, was constructed atop ninth century ruins of a church and cemetary. After disembarking and purchasing a ticket (I paid 10 euro for mine at the island entrance, but many combination tickets are available) one enters the property through a gate, and begins a slow climb up gravel paths to the house. At first narrow and closed on one side by an ivy-covered wall, the path soon opens onto larger lawns and beds of plants. Many plants are labeled, as this island is renowned for its exotic botanical collection.

The entrance gives hints of more to come.


Following arrows along a designated route one is treated to views of the towns across the lake. You're also bound to encounter several brightly colored feathered friends along the way to the villa.

A few feathered friends.

The villa itself is simple but elegant. It looks like a home that people could actually live in, and not only live in but enjoy living in. It looks like a well-loved home. Wax statues here and there, in rooms partitioned off from the public, are dressed in period clothing from the 16th and 17th centuries, making the effect even more realistic. The tour winds past two completely captivating seventeenth century puppet theaters much used by the family, one stage depicts hell, with a fire-breathing dragon prop off-stage to the right.

An interior hallway, much as it looked 400 years ago.

After leaving the house one can also visit the family chapel, and spend more time in the gardens. There are many paths off limits to tourists, and of course I wondered where they go as the wound around corners, but the bit of mystery is nice.

A couple of lovely spots just outside the house.

Where these stairs go is a mystery...

There are two snack bars and one full restaurant on the island, near the dock. There is also a small souvenir area. None of them are intrusive or interfere in any way with the serenity and lushness of the island. Wear comfortable shoes, and budget yourself a good hour and a half or longer, to benefit from the peaceful ambience, before catching your ferry.

Here is the link to the main Borromeo Tourist site:
http://www.borromeoturismo.it

And about the other islands:

Isola dei Pescatori
Isola Bella -- A Little Background




Monday, July 26, 2010

Hydrangea, Part 2

Same day, afternoon light instead of morning, walking instead of running, same incredible, overwhelming hydrangea.






First Impressions



Eccomi...

Here I am, back in Stresa. The weather is gorgeous; everything is even more beautiful than I was remembering. And my first impression, this time, is of hydrangea. Ortensia in Italian. They are in full bloom now, and everywhere along the lungolago. They are massive, and bursting in colors from creamy offwhites to intense violets. They make a great foreground or background for photos, a serene backdrop for reading, and a nice welcome to Stresa indeed.





Monday, July 19, 2010

Tre Domande -- Three Questions With Guest Writer Tony



Tony wrote about Pella, the town on the other side of Lago d'Orta.
Tony has already written several wonderful posts on this blog, highlighting special little corners of this lake area. He seems to have a unique eye, seeing and capturing for us spots that we may have missed, opportunities to see things that we may have overlooked. Is it because Tony is an American who lives in on Lago Maggiore with his wife Sue only weeks out of each year that he appreciates the area in a different way? I asked Tony three questions. I think his responses will be of real interest to anyone who hopes and dreams of living here some day, and also to those who will only travel here; giving them helpful hints on how to search out these hidden gems of places. So let's get to know Tony a little better:

Tony wrote a review of the Trattoria San Salvatore.
You're an American who spends much time living in Lesa, a town just outside of Stresa on Lago Maggiore. Why Lesa, why Lago Maggiore, what brought you here?

When we first visited Italy in the mid-1990s, we stayed in Belgirate and then Arona because it was near Malpensa’s airport. We then planned a visit with another couple and Sue found and we rented a place in Lesa, a condominium in a converted paper factory with a terrace overlooking the lake and Angera Castle. We then made a number of visits to Italy and whenever we flew out of Malpensa, we would stay in Arona and visit Stresa because we knew we would enjoy the lake and could easily reach the airport and make our morning flights out with ease. And we met Rosaria at La Cambusa and made a friend.

In 2004 we decided to just look at properties for sale and we looked on Lago di Como and Lago Maggiore. By look, we saw Vendesi signs and looked at ads that we found and drove by some properties. In Stresa we stayed at Antico Palazzo with Natalie and Massimo Noga (they no longer operate what is now known as Villa Muggia in Stresa, a property formerly owned by the Siemens family). We drove up to the place in Lesa where we had stayed and saw a Vendesi sign there.

When we returned to the U.S., we e-mailed the man we had rented from in Lesa (a New Zealander who had moved to a villa in Perugia) and asked if he knew which condominium unit was for sale. He said he had no idea, but that none were more desirable than his, and he might be interested in selling. We asked the price and the price and annual expenses seemed reasonable, and we closed the deal a few months later with the assistance of a Notaio who in Italy does the property transfers . We were also fortunate to have the kind help of the seller. He helped us transfer the insurance, the electricity, the phone, the taxes, the gas etc. He also gave us a great piece of advice about furnishing the place. He suggested that we avoid the large stores and go to a small shop in Meina and get to know the owners who had originally furnished the place for him. We took his advice and now have friends for life!

Tony gave us a glimpse into the gardens of the Hotel Iles des Borromees.


You seem to have such a knack for discovering the lesser known hidden gems around here. How do you do this? What do you look for?
We look for anything of interest. As the internet has grown, so have the number of websites and picture sites that have information about places in Italy to visit. The "Pro Loco" websites are full of local events. We check the schedules of events in all the towns and we look at picture sites that allow us to find beautiful places and interesting events. Who knew, for example, that there is an asparagus festival in Massino Visconti in the Spring, and a strawberry festival early summer in Fosseno, a neighborhood of Nebbiuno, or a Sagre de Pesce in Solcio, the harbor community in Lesa?

This is all rather easy now. There is a website for the most beautiful restored properties, http://www.fondoambiente.it/en/, the Fondo per l’ Ambiente Italiano. There is a website for the small and beautiful towns. http://www.borghitalia.it. And those towns include Orta San Giulio, Macunaga and Vagogna. And there is a website that lists most of the restaurants in Italy. www.ilmangione.it. The nearby provinces also have useful websites. www.vareseturismo.it.


Overall, do you find this area a good place for ex-pats to settle in? How do you feel as an American here? What would you advise to our readers who dream of moving here one day?
The main concern for ex-pats to settle here is health care. The United States does not have reciprocal health care coverage with the EU. The man we bought our place from was from New Zealand and never became an Italian citizen, but since New Zealand is a Commonwealth country, he got full health care in Italy. As an Italian would receive in Great Britain. So for expensive medical care, a U.S. citizen on Medicare needs to head to Malpensa or have a good credit line on their credit card. Our British friends and Italian American friends with dual citizenship do not have this problem. Another drawback is that Americans cannot own cars in Italy, EU citizens can. Car rental expenses add up. And the Euro is another issue. When we compare the restaurant prices from the U.S. to Italy, only the wine is more reasonable. And we are talking good and regular restaurants, not expensive restaurants.

So it is a great place to spend time, but to “move to” would be a more serious decision.

As an American here, we are treated well by all, even though we do not speak Italian. The family that has the grocery in Meina knows us, the folks who run the wine bar there know us, and we are good friends with the Bollas of La Cambusa in Stresa. Their friendship and that of friends in Nebbiuno sustain us. They have lived the history of the lake. They have seen Partisans martyred by the Gestapho in town squares, whispering trains packed with victims on their way through Switzerland to the camps, Il Duce handing out fruit to children, and their Fathers enslaved to work in Germany. They have worked at all sorts of jobs to support their families and they know the history of these towns and the families, rich and poor of these towns.

So the lakes are beautiful, the entertainment and events on the lake are always surprising, and the people are friendly and sharing. Could not ask for more, other than a shorter commute from the USA.

Tony and Sue
Read Tony's posts:

Friday, July 16, 2010

Caffe Bolongaro


[20052009227.jpg]
The exterior of Caffe Bolongaro, across from the Imbarcadero.

There was live music last night at Caffe Bolongaro, and there will be music again tonight. In fact, there will be live music just about every night this summer at the bar caffe, which is located in Piazza Matteotti, just next to the municipal offices and just across the street from the Stresa Imbarcadero. It's hard to miss the caffe, as it sits front and center on the lakefront, as it has since at least 1840 according to the oldest known records of it, and fills the piazza with red tablecloth-covered tables and umbrellas. And from my experience those tables are filled many times during the day and most evenings.

But while you're sitting at the caffe listening to the night's band, also take a good long look at the sign over the front door. This historic and beautiful Art Deco sign was carefully restored by Luisa Panfani, a restoration artist from Torino. It dates from 1906, and, when the owners of the caffe began searching for a restorer, it was just a blackish rectangular sign, having been unfortunately painted over many times over the years. But underneath all that paint were colors that were waiting to be brought back to life. Others had refused, but Panfani took on the challenge.

The temporary sign during restoration...


...and the 'new' sign, brought back to 1906 Art Deco splendor.

Now, once again, the sign shines, not with electricity, but with its original colors, golden letters glowing on a red background. The design, compared to others of the same era in Torino, is considered to have been ahead of its time, with its combination of Liberty and Art Deco styles, and its very modern -- at the time -- use of the words 'Tea Room' in English.

So take a moment, while relaxing at Caffe Bolongaro, to admire the sign you are looking at, now that you know a little bit more about it. It is more than a sign, it's art.. and a bit of Stresiani history.

All enjoy a jazz quartet performing outside Caffe Bolongaro in Piazza Matteotti.

Caffe Bolongaro was the site of another bit of Stresa history as well. It was here that the first Margheritine di Stresa cookies were created, prepared for the first communion of Margherita di Savoia, the future queen.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Friends Of Stresa Sights


Joe first wrote with some questions about the ferry schedule. But the ferry just wasn't allowing him to do what he wanted to do: to take his father on a boat ride around the lake, stopping at various specific places for photos. Fabri from Maggiore Discovery came to the rescue, creating a special, private Father's Day boat trip, which Joe and his father took on a sunny Sunday in June.

Joe was kind enough to send along a couple of photographs, published here with his permission. He went on to say that Stresa was, perhaps, his favorite part of his entire trip, and that he planned to come again as soon as he could, the next time with his wife.


Santa Caterina

Castelli di Cannero


It was such a pleasure to help them with their trip. Meeting people like Joe and his father, and helping them to hopefully create some magical memories, is maybe the best part about this blog.

Hope to see you here next time Joe!


Friday, July 9, 2010

Tips For Traveling To Stresa Without A Car

The image “http://www.dcsedans.com/images/dctours.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.
Do you need a car in Stresa?
So many people have been writing and asking this question, so I thought it would be helpful to answer it here and then post it in the FAQ section of Stresa Sights. There are pros and cons to having a car in Stresa. Here, I’ll address some points to keep in mind if you are traveling here without a car.

And The Winner Is....


The 2010 Edition of the Miss Stresa contest is over, and the winner is Giulia Colombo, 20, of Canegrate. Other awards were also assigned: Miss Mottarone to Mariapia Ghiringhelli, of Varese. Miss Sorriso Isola Bella to Irene Tollin, of Borgoticino. Miss Acqua di Stresa to Alice Severi, of Domodossola. Miss Fiat Astra Arona to Gaia Lavalle, of Domodossola, and Miss Giemme (GM Motors) to Gloria Boca, of Ghemme. The competition was watched by a large crowd in Piazza Cadorna. Many thanks were given to the administration of the city as well as the commercial sponsors and volunteers that have supported this contest and made it possible.



Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Italy Tutto And More Nice Things Italian

It's been a very nice day so far -- Italian-things-wise.

First, I woke to discover that my most recent post, about the Miss Stresa and Miss Italia contest, was chosen by Italytutto as one of the top ten posts of the week. This is such an honor, but especially so this time, when I saw the company with which I was included. So many of the blogs I read are represented. Take a look at them if you don't already... they are, in alphabetical order:
  1. Artichoke Blog: Artichoke Feast in Torricchio, Tuscany
    How many towns can claim to have only one monk?
  2. Baroque Sicily: Fine Fellows of Siracusa
    A look at real Sicilian men
  3. Brigolante: Perfect Picnic Places in Umbria , San Leonardo (Assisi)
    And you can BBQ
  4. Casa Margherita: Roundabout an Olive
    It’s the watering system that matters
  5. Creative Structures: Under Pressure
    The problems with water in rural Italy
  6. Eternally Cool: Souvenir Plates
    VW’s advertising campaign
  7. Florence Journal: Florence in Shanghai
    The amazing ‘Uffizi Touch’ technology
  8. Italian Notebook: Lavender Festival
    No need to go to Provence
  9. Stresa Sights: Miss Stresa 2010
    Where the Miss Italia pageant started
  10. Valle Nuova: Photo of the Day – Objects from the Past
    But what is it?
Second nice news, I received my copy of Marcus of Umbria: What an Italian Dog Taught an American Girl About Love in today's mail. This book was sent to me from the author's publicist with the request to read and review it. Its Amazon description says, "A sweet, disarming story finds a young New York editor venturing to Italy to pursue romance with a sexy gardener and ending up falling for a neglected dog instead." They also say think Eat-Pray-Ruff. Many bloggers have been reviewing it recently and I'm looking forward to doing so as well... I will soon... Saving it for...



Number Three!
Saving the book to read in Stresa, where I'll be as of July 23, having just bought my ticket. Very much looking forward to a few weeks of hanging out at Buscion, visiting various sites yet unvisited, cycling, cooking, seeing what adventures Colleague has in store, and, as always, posting about it here.


E' stato un bel giorno, no?
It's been a very good day...



Thursday, July 1, 2010

Miss Stresa - Miss Italia

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGgthWSLqU1JYE7Csd1-fT3MH0ttGtmr2RjX-d9DKttigUVJLMTfjb1EQv5qx9x9vZQTuYHy11l90x_K6RbZ2_h9kEZHtynsK9O-PhZJJIr-e2rxLnC2JVELvB0QlKKM4zhhNHl0yIh4/s1600/Miss+Stresa.jpeg

It's that time again; time to crown this year's Miss Stresa. All is ready for the 2010 competition, the final round of which will take place next week, on Thursday, July 8, in Piazza Cadorna at 9:30 in the evening. The original group of contestants has been narrowed down to 13, and in addition to Miss Stresa other awards will be given, ones for Miss Mottarone, Miss Smile Isola Bella, Miss Giemme (GM), and Miss Fiat Astra Arona. Once chosen, the winner will appear at various events throughout the season in Stresa, and if she so chooses, she can enter the national competition for the title of Miss Italia, as did 2007's winner.

In fact, the Miss Stresa contest recalls for many, even those who were not alive at the time, thoughts of the years when the Miss Italia competition took place right here in town at the Regina Palace Hotel. It was 1946, after the war, and as Stresa had remained largely undamaged it was the perfect location for a cheerful post-war event. For the next four years, and then one more time again in 1956, the Miss Italia pageant took place here. Then, as it grew in popularity, the venue was moved several times until it settled permanently in Salsomaggiore Terme, where it is still held today.

Many Miss Italia winners and contestants became well known in Italy and abroad. Here, in Stresa in 1947, are four contestants who later went on to Italian entertainment fame. From the left are Lucia Bose (the winner that year), Gianna Maria Canale (second place), Gina Lollobrigida (third), and Eleonora Rossi Drago (fourth).



1950 was the first year that the competition was reported live on the radio; it was also the first year that the competition was held in Salsomaggiore Terme. And it was also the year that Sofia Loren participated in the contest. Sofia Scicolone at the time, she was deemed to be too provocative to be chosen as the winner; she was therefore awarded the title of Miss Eleganza 1950. Here she is, parading before the judges.

Salsomaggiore - concorso di Miss Italia - Sofia Loren sfila davanti alla giuria in costume da bagno.



Today the Miss Italia pageant takes place over four days each September and is seen by over ten million people. Miss Italia plays a big role in Italian culture. “It’s the mirror of Italy,” once explained actress Sofia Loren, “because all unrolls to the sunlight.” And as Stresa chooses her Miss next week we can recall that it all started right here.



Follow On Facebook For More Posts

PLANNING A TRIP TO STRESA?

PLANNING A TRIP TO STRESA?
A Top Attractions Starting Point

SOME IMPORTANT DATES


Visit The Stresa Tourist Office For Complete Event Schedules

VACATIONS AND WORKSHOPS

VACATIONS AND WORKSHOPS
Before or after Stresa, plan more of your trip to Italy with Villa Vita!

CURRENCY CONVERTER

CURRENCY CONVERTER
Click here for a fast and easy currency converter.

STRESA SIGHTS by DANA KAPLAN

STRESA SIGHTS by DANA KAPLAN