stresa

Stresa is a town and comune in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, situated on the western shore of Lake Maggiore in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. It lies near the Borromean Islands, including Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori, which are popular tourist attractions accessible by boat. The town is bordered by the nearby communities of Baveno and Verbania and serves as a gateway to the lake’s scenic landscape.

The area has ancient roots, but Stresa developed into a fashionable lakeside resort in the 19th century following the expansion of rail and steamship services on Lake Maggiore. It attracted aristocratic and bourgeois visitors and saw the construction of hotels, promenades, and lakeside villas that shaped its character as a resort town.

Stresa is known for its scenic promenade along the lake, historic villas, and proximity to the Borromean Islands. The Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees and the Regina Palace Hotel are among the notable accommodations. The Monte Mottarone cable car connects Stresa with the mountain’s summit, offering views of the Alps and the lake. Tourism remains the mainstay of the local economy, supported by boat tours, cultural events, and seasonal services.

In July 1935, Stresa hosted the Stresa Conference, also known as the Stresa Front, a meeting of French, British, and Italian leaders that articulated a common stance against German rearmament and influenced tensions preceding World War II. The town continues to be a destination for visitors seeking lake and alpine scenery, historic architecture, and access to nearby islands.