Rocca Borromeo di Angera

Angera, Italy

The Rocca Borromeo di Angera, also called Borromeo Castle, is a castle that stands on a lakeside hilltop in the limits of the town of Angera on the shores of Lago Maggiore. It is visible from across the lake from Arona, where originally stood another castle formerly owned by the Borromeo family.

Before 1227, the castle belonged to the Della Torre family, who lost the possession to the Visconti after the Battle of Desio (1277). In 1449, it passed into the ownership of the Borromeo family. It once belonged to the Visconti family, beginning with Bernabò Visconti and his wife, Beatrice della Scala. but it was purchased by the Borromeo family who expanded and refurbished the castle over the centuries. It still belongs to the Borromeo family. It is best known for it Hall of Justice (Sala di Giustizia) which still contains its original late 13th century depicting the victory of Ottone Visconti, archbishop of Milan, at the Battle of Desio. The castle suffered damage during bombardment in the second world war.

The castle also contains a Museo della Bambola (Doll Museum), founded in 1988 by the wish of Princess Bona Borromeo Arese, and displays over a thousand dolls made between the 18th century and the present day.

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Address

Via Rocca Castello 2, Angera, Italy
See all sites in Angera

Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org
www.isoleborromee.it

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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User Reviews

D'Jena Dias (18 months ago)
It was great, lovely castle, lots of history and amazing views of Lago Maggiore
Michael Holvoote (18 months ago)
Not originally part of our Italian trip. Thanks to the “bad weather” that made it part of it. Definitely a place to visit !!! Awesome view on the lake !
Elinor Cohen (18 months ago)
This is truly a magnificent place and experience. The museum of dolls and toys is impressive, as is the fortress and its grounds. Make sure you go uo to the tower, it's a lot of stairs but well worth the 360 degrees view of lake Maggiore, the mountains and surrounding villages. We spent almost 4 hours there and just didn't want to leave. The caffè on site is great to relax in and prices are more than reasonable.
Elena de varda (18 months ago)
Marvellous place. Just one hour from Milan
Helen Atack (2 years ago)
A beautiful place with amazing views. We visited this place after a morning of rain. There is more than the castle to visit. The gardens are beautiful and well managed. We climbed to the very top, although I'm not keen on heights, it really was well worth the climb.
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