These three superb little islands took the name of the Borromee family who had received Lake Maggiore as a fiefdom in the 15C. Charles III occupied Isola Bella in the 17 C and built a palace there that is typical of Lombardy Baroque style and is composed of many staterooms and "caves". It also has admirable gardens. Isola dei Pescatori has preserved its atmosphere of yesteryear and Isola Madre is totally taken up by a superb exotic garden.