It was in 1632, the small island in the middle of the southern gulf of lake Maggiore in front of Stresa, was just a naked rock, residual of stone modelled by the glaciers.

The count Carlo III Borromeo decided to start the construction of a palace on the small island to dedicate to his wife Isabella D'Adda.

It was the origin of that work of art that today called Isola Bella .

Even though it seems to pun on Isabella, it is nevertheless the place-name more appropriate for the island. Isola Bella – Beautiful Island.