Brissago
Brissago Islands
The Brissago Islands are the Canton Ticino's botanical park. The little island (Isola Piccola or St. Apollinaire) is covered with spontaneous vegetation, mostly from the Insubrica region, kept in its natural state.
On the big island (Isola Grande or St. Pancrazio), which was opened to the public in 1950, mostly subtropical plants with origins from the northern and southern hemisphere are grown.
In 1885 the baroness Antoinette Saint Leger transformed the islands into a residence where painters, sculptors, musicians and writers could meet. The big island became an exotic garden. In 1927 the new owner, the businessman Max Emden from Hamburg, had the actual palazzo, the dock and Roman bath built and increased the cultivation of exotic plants.
The botanic park offers impressions of exotic subtropical countries. Azaleas, rhododendrons, Japanese palm trees, numerous camellias, Japanese banana, bamboo, the Ginkgo transport the visitor to the Far East. The group of South African plants surprises with. The Central America zone offers a completely different scenario with large-flowered magnolia, agaves, cypress (present from the 30s with the typical roots sticking out from the water), yucca, California poppies, sage from New Zealand transport the visitor to other continents.
Sage, rosemary, cork, palm of the Canaries, represent the Mediterranean countryside.
The Brissago Islands are part of the Gardens of Switzerland network, which brings together the most beautiful gardens of Switzerland.
SPECIAL FOR CHILDREN - Scavenger hunt!
Are you dreaming of exploring an Island? Go on a treasure hunt following the trails of the pirates to mysterious places with unusual plants on the Islands of Brissago.
Ask for the map at the entrance and follow the clues. Set off on an adventure!
Disclaimer
The information on this site, concerning services or products is provided by external partners. This Information is liable to change frequently; for this reason Lugano Region cannot be held liable for any inaccuracies. Due to the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic situation, we suggest that you check with the indicated contacts directly for possible activity restrictions.
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Contact
Organizzazione turistica Lago Maggiore e Valli
6614 Brissago
0848 091 091
info@ascona-locarno.com
www.ascona-locarno.com -
Opening
Closed during the winter: the park is open from 1st of April to 8th of November.
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