Discover the Treasures Within The Park and Villa Pallavicino

The history of the Villa Pallavicino in Stresa began in 1885 when Ruggero Bonghi, a Neapolitan statesman and man of letters, decided to purchase the villa as a private residence. Subsequently, it was seen to pass to the Duke of Vallombrosa. In 1862, the Genoese noble family Pallavicino bought the villa and carried out prestigious interventions such as enlarging the estate and building carriage roads. In addition, the Palavicino family placed numerous statues in the park, making the whole area an enchanting place. They are also responsible for the transformation of the common mansion into a marvelous neoclassical villa, which still stands out on the hill to this day. Animals from all over the world in the park were hosted in 1952 by Marquise Luisa. Finally, the Pallavicino nobles chose to open their park to the public in 1956. From that time to the present, the garden is a true wildlife museum that has been part of the Terre Borromeo circuit since 2017. Study and research are two elements that develop and support the entire cultural project, dedicated to the whole community. The Villa-Parco Pallavicino is an extremely important attraction point on Lake Maggiore, loved and visited by many tourists thanks to the flora and fauna that animate the entire museum itinerary.

Altogether, the Pallavicino Park in Stresa covers 18 hectares-a place where botanical and wildlife elements coexist. There are several gardens, all with different characteristics at the botanical level. The Flower Garden is one of the highlights thanks to its extraordinary rose garden and different flower beds. The current layout of this Garden dates back to the 1950s although the original design of the greenhouses and fountains is from the late 19th century. The rose garden, jasmine arches and wisteria are the prominent blooms in this museum area. In general, hydrangeas, camellias and rhododendrons can be seen on the avenues, joyfully painting different areas. The plants and flowers in Pallavicino Park always change according to the relevant season. For example, tulips and violets bud in April, while roses bloom in May. After that, from June to September the typical blooms are begonias, green and red-leaved colocasias, brugmansias, sages, dahlias and many others. The grounds of the Park-Villa Pallavicino are also home to wonderful trees that are the most significant features, which encompass the entire area. Mention should be made of the centuries-old chestnut trees and huge lyriodendrons, the latter being among the oldest in Italy. In addition, red beeches, larches, ginkgo bilobas, maples, magnolias and redwoods are also notable. The majestic cedar of Lebanon, in front of the villa, is the real star of Pallavicino Park. As well pointed out, nature is the real guide of the whole garden.

Pallavicino Park in Stresa is home to a fauna of more than 50 species. Some of the most famous animals in the garden are zebras, kangaroos, coati, the whooping crane and flamingos. In detail, it is a large zoological collection of mammals and birds that brings together the alpaca, dwarf rabbit, jumping sheep, ousseant sheep, llama, black swan, Orobian goat, Tibetan goat, mule deer, fox, lavender bear, Chilean flamingo, pomellato fallow deer, Bennet's kangaroo, yellow-blue macaw, ferrets, and several species of chickens. Many of the animals present were recovered by Uberto Calligarich, the wildlife reference veterinarian at Pallavicino Park. He is the VCO province's contact person for wildlife recovery. A special feature of Pallavicino Park is that it takes in animals that could no longer survive in their natural habitat. This happens for two reasons, the first being that sometimes the animals were born in captivity, while the second reason is due to abandonment (ex: Fanta fox abandoned on the day of its birth by its mother) or a hypothetical accident, which caused them permanent trauma. In addition, the huge park contains the Farm: a place designed to conduct an unforgettable experience in close contact with animals. The space in question is home to various free-living species such as Tibetan and hopping goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas and deer. The Farm is one of the most beloved spots for visitors, where a true formative encounter between human and animal comes to life.

The visitors' experience at Villa Pallavicino in Stresa is a real treat on the shores of the magnificent Lake Maggiore. In addition to visiting the immense park with its many species of plants and flowers and the large wildlife museum, it is possible to relax at the Cafeteria Il Roseto surrounded by greenery and surrounded by peacocks, which are admired by many visitors. The Villa-Parco Pallavicino also organizes guided tours and various seasonal cultural events, where you can fully admire the full beauty of the Terre Borromeo site. In addition, the Pallavicino Park and all Terre Borromeo sites offer the possibility of organizing birthday parties: an original opportunity to be conducted in company and in lightheartedness. There are several activities held at Villa Pallavicino and they are characterized by being cultural and social moments, where tradition and nature come together. Outside the park, there are restaurants and bars where visitors can stop after spending their time in the Pallavicino garden. Visiting the site, tourists and visitors become totally immersed in an enchanted world that is hard to forget. Every year, people come from all over the world who are curious and interested in discovering this majestic place on Lake Maggiore.

Reaching Villa Pallavicino in Stresa is possible:

• - By car: Autostrada dei Laghi in the direction of Gravellona Toce, exit Carpugnino and follow for Stresa.
• - By train: Ferrovie dello Stato, Milan-Simplon line with a stop in Stresa. Ferrovie Nord, Milan-Laveno line with stop Laveno.
• - By bus: VB Arona Milan line.
• - By plane: arrival Milan Malpensa.

The opening of the season is in March. From March to November, the Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entrance), park closure 6 p.m. From October to November, the Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entrance), park closure 5 p.m. Hours are subject to change due to extraordinary events. The cost of a single ticket for an adult is 15 euros. The fee for a single-teenager is 10 euros. Detailed information can be found on the official Terre Borromeo website. Finally, guided tours with qualified operators are also available.

Villa Pallavicino in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, with its immense park, is one of the most important attractions on Lake Maggiore. It is a true wildlife museum in its own right, where a genuine encounter between human beings and animals takes place. A combination of history, nature, and tradition dominates the entire visit to Pallavicino Park and enchants all visitors. Of course, among all these elements, the real protagonist is the nature that embraces the entire area. Finally, another extremely important aspect is the conservation of wildlife that is offered, with great commitment and constancy by the Villa Pallavicino Park-Museum.