Description of the attraction
Isola dei Pescatori, whose name translates as Fishermen's Island, is part of the Borromean Archipelago, located on Lake Lago Maggiore. Also known as Isola Superiore, it is the northernmost of the three main islands of the archipelago and the only one inhabited throughout the year. It is home to about 30 people.
Isola dei Pescatori is 375 meters long and one hundred meters wide. The narrow street, which runs along the island ridge, is connected by several cobblestones with an embankment that goes around the whole island. The promenade is often flooded by the waters of Lake Maggiore, and the houses on it are built with this feature in mind.
Despite the fact that the inhabitants of Isola dei Pescatori are still engaged in the business of their ancestors - fishing, it is tourism that is their main source of income. The charm of this picturesque island has made it a popular tourist destination. Most often they come here with a one-day excursion from the resort towns located on the shore of the lake. Isola dei Pescatori is famous for its restaurants, where you can taste the freshest seafood. In addition, the island has several hotels, souvenir shops and boutiques selling hand-made things.
The attraction of Isola dei Pescatori is the Church of San Vittore, dedicated to the Christian Great Martyr Victor Mavru. It contains a small apse of an antique chapel, probably built for the monks of the Abbey of Scozzola in the 11th century. Later, the chapel was rebuilt in the Gothic style, and in 1627 a new church was consecrated in honor of St. Victor. Inside, you can see 16th century frescoes and a 17th century throne with busts of four bishops - Saint Ambrogio of Milan, Saint Gaudenzio of Novara, Saint Francesco of Salez and Saint Charles Borromeo.
The few inhabitants of Isola dei Pescatori sacredly honor the traditions of their ancestors. So, in August, they celebrate the Ferragosto festival, during which a procession of illuminated fishing boats carries a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary around the island.
Between Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella lies the tiny uninhabited islet of Malghera with an area of only 200 square meters. Overgrown with lush vegetation, it is famous for its small but nice beach.
