Villa Pallavicino Park in Stresa

Jun 12, 2025

Introduction
The Botanical and Wildlife Park of Villa Pallavicino is located along the lakeside promenade of Stresa (VB), on Lake Maggiore. Spanning approximately 18 hectares, the park combines expansive ornamental gardens with a wildlife area home to over 50 animal species. Now part of the Terre Borromeo network, it is a highly popular destination for families and visitors of all ages, thanks to its relaxing atmosphere and wealth of natural attractions. Just a few hundred meters from Stresa’s town center and the Piazza Marconi ferry terminal, the park offers panoramic lake views as a scenic backdrop to its lush gardens.

History of the Park and Villa

Villa Pallavicino was originally built as a private residence in 1855 by Ruggero Bonghi, a Neapolitan statesman. In 1862, the property was acquired by the noble Genoese Pallavicino family, who expanded the surrounding grounds and transformed the modest house into an elegant neoclassical villa, adding wide paths and statues to the gardens. In the 1950s, Marchesa Luisa Pallavicino envisioned a “botanical zoo”: in 1956, the private gardens were opened to the public as a wildlife park, introducing animals from around the world.
In 2006, the park also became a Wildlife Rescue Center, dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of injured wild animals. Since 2017, management of the park has been entrusted to the Borromeo family, who have restored and expanded the animal areas and included the park in the Terre Borromeo tourist circuit.

How to Get There

By car: From the A26 motorway (towards Gravellona Toce/Laghi), exit at Carpugnino or Baveno. Follow the signs to Stresa and drive along the lakeside promenade toward Belgirate. The park is located just outside the town center on the right. A large free parking lot for visitors is available directly in front of the entrance.

By train: Stresa’s railway station (on the Milan–Domodossola or Malpensa–Lake Maggiore lines) is about 800 meters from the park. From the platform, it’s about a 10-minute walk downhill toward the lake or a short taxi ride.

By boat or ferry: Several boat lines connect towns around Lake Maggiore to Stresa. Once you arrive at the Piazza Marconi ferry terminal, the park is just a short 300–400 meter walk away. On boat schedules, the Stresa ferry stop is listed as “Stresa (VB).”

By public transport: Stresa is served by regional and local bus lines (e.g., SAF lines 009, 054). The closest stops to the park are “Stresa Imbarcadero” or “Stresa Centro,” both just a short walk from the entrance. In summer, a free municipal shuttle (the green line) also runs along the lakeside and stops near the park.

Opening Hours and Seasonal Information

The park is open to the public during specific seasons. In 2025, it will be open from March 15 to November 2.
During peak season (March 15 – October 25), the park is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM). From October 26 to November 2, hours are reduced to 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM).
The park is typically closed during the winter (from November to mid-March) for maintenance. Always check the official website or contact the Stresa Tourist Office to confirm exact opening dates before planning your visit.

Tickets and Admission Prices

Tickets can be purchased online (via the Terre Borromeo website) or at the entrance.
Prices for 2025 are as follows:

  • Adults: € 16.00
  • Youth (ages 6–15): € 10.50
  • Children (ages 3–5): € 5.00
  • Infants (ages 0–2): free

Combo tickets are available for multiple Borromeo sites. For example:

  • Isola Bella + Villa Pallavicino Park: € 33.00 (adults), € 20.00 (children 6–15)
  • Isola Bella + Isola Madre + Villa Pallavicino Park: € 42.00 (adults)

These combo passes are valid for one day (two sites) or two consecutive days (three sites). The full list of combinations and prices is available on the official website.

Discounts and free admission:
Discounted rates are available for groups and school trips (advance booking required), as well as special family promotions. For instance, a “family ticket” for 2 adults + 2 children includes free entry for the second child.
Visitors with certified disabilities of 30% or higher receive free admission (certificate required at the ticket desk). Companions of disabled guests may also qualify for free entry under the conditions listed at the ticket office.
Groups (schools or tours) can request special group rates by emailing:

Main Attractions

Botanical Gardens & Panoramic Views

The park features diverse botanical gardens showcasing a wide variety of plants and flowers. Centuries-old trees—including cedar of Lebanon, sequoias, horse chestnuts, larches, maples, beeches, and magnolias—create charming natural settings. The Flower Garden, conceived in the 1950s based on a 19th-century design, is meticulously maintained. It bursts with spring tulips, while summer sees hibiscus, begonias, dahlias, salvias, cleomes, and zinnias take over, ensuring a continuously changing display of blooms.
Shaded paths through the gardens offer splendid vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains. Notable landmarks include an ancient white magnolia and a massive cedar of Lebanon in a natural amphitheater facing the villa, framing an exceptional lake view. The walking trails—mostly flat and stroller-friendly—wind through gravel and woodland paths to scenic overlooks. On clear days, the panorama of Lake Maggiore is unforgettable.

Animal Area & Petting Farm

The wildlife section is home to over 50 species of mammals and birds. Some roam freely, others are housed in natural enclosures. Long-standing residents include zebras, Bennett’s wallabies, coatis, grey crowned cranes, Chilean flamingos, and black swans, while others have been added or rescued by the park’s veterinarians. The park also cares for injured wild animals—such as a famous three-legged fox named “Fanta”—offering them a protected habitat.

In the Petting Farm (“Experiential Enclosure”), visitors—especially children—can interact directly with friendly animals: Tibetan goats, goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, and European fallow deer mix freely near visitor paths. The area is designed to be both fun and educational, with trained staff supervising to ensure animal welfare.

Other notable animals are viewable in fenced habitats: aquatic birds inhabit the central pond (including flamingos, black swans, and colorful ducks), while exotic species such as zebras, Bennett’s wallabies, and coatis live in open-air enclosures. Mammals such as donkeys, mules (including the celebrated “Bellavista” mule), ferrets, and even giant tortoises can also be seen. The park’s layout mimics natural settings, with wooded areas, grasslands, and a pond ecosystem. Visitors observe animals safely from bordered paths and informative signage provides educational insights about each species.

Play Areas, Picnic Spots & Outdoor Services

The park offers spacious picnic zones equipped with tables and benches—some shaded by large trees—perfect for families enjoying packed lunches. There is a large playground with swings and slides in a grassy, supervised area. Water play features and decorative fountains along main walkways add to children’s enjoyment. These facilities make the park especially family-friendly, allowing adults to stroll while kids play securely and age-appropriately.

Facilities & Services

  • Bar & Restaurant: A café (Caffetteria Il Roseto) near the Flower Garden serves snacks, ice creams, and hot and cold drinks. There’s also a small restaurant/pizzeria that offers simple dishes, salads, and local specialties. Both are open during park hours; cash and POS are available. Nearby are public restrooms and a basic first-aid station.
  • Souvenir Shop: Located near the exit, this shop sells animal-themed merchandise, postcards, toys, and locally crafted items. Vending machines for drinks and snacks are scattered throughout the park.
  • Picnic Areas: These include wooden-covered zones—ideal during light rain. BBQs are prohibited, but the spaces are freely accessible.
  • Accessibility: Main paths are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. At the entrance, visitors can use a free electric golf-car service to reach the café—available upon request. Accessible restrooms are provided, and park staff can assist with special mobility needs.
  • Parking: A large free parking lot (for cars and coaches) is located at the main entrance. In peak summer hours, overflow on nearby streets or public paid lots in Stresa may be necessary.
  • Additional Services: Multilingual audio guides are available for rent at the ticket office. The park offers guided tours, educational workshops by reservation, a photo service upon request, and secure bike racks at the entrance. A small outdoor relaxation area with seats and tables near the café invites visitors to enjoy the scenery.

Animal Species & Zoo Layout

More than 50 species of mammals and birds live within the park. The exotic mammals include zebras, Bennett’s wallabies, coatis, donkeys, mules (including “Bellavista”), alpacas, and llamas. Alpine farm animals—such as Orobic goats, sheep, and European fallow deer—roam in the farm area. The park also houses small carnivores like ferrets and occasionally injured native wildlife such as foxes. In the central pond, you’ll find Chilean flamingos, grey crowned cranes, black swans, peafowl, ornamental ducks, and other rare aquatic birds. Species of wild turkeys, goose-like birds, and cranes also feature on the grounds.

Zoo zones are structured as semi-natural habitats: deer, llamas, goats, and sheep live in shared, minimally structured enclosures. Birds and exotic mammals inhabit spacious fenced outdoor habitats. A team of veterinarians and zoologists ensures animal welfare and handles births and medical care. The park also participates in wildlife rehabilitation and reintroduction efforts, working with the nearby Wildlife Rescue Center. Injured or orphaned birds of prey, foxes, and vultures are cared for here when release into the wild is not possible.

In the petting farm, children can feed select animals using feed sold on-site—but only what is permitted. Educational signage throughout details species biology, native habitats, and conservation facts.

Visit Tips

  • Visit Duration: Allocate at least 2–3 hours to see the entire park; half a day is ideal for animal watching and photography.
  • Bring With You: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, water, and insect repellent. Packed snacks or lunch are allowed in picnic areas, and it’s advisable to carry some cash for food or drinks.
  • Best Times to Go: Mid to late spring (April–May) showcases tulips and roses; summer brings hibiscus and salvia blooms; autumn (October) highlights vivid fall foliage. Park is closed in winter (November–February). For fewer crowds, choose weekdays or late May/early June. After rainfall, paths may be muddy—water-resistant shoes recommended.
  • Weather & Clothing: Even in summer, evenings by the lake can be cool—bring a light jacket. Arrive early (at opening) for cooler temperatures and optimal photo lighting. Note that during winter (park closed), occasional special openings may happen (e.g., FAI events or school visits)—check official calendars.
  • Photography: Photography and video are allowed throughout. Do not feed animals except with park-approved food, and stay off enclosures. Binoculars can enhance wildlife sightings.

Groups & School Visits

The park is well-suited for school outings and organized groups. Educational tours and themed workshops (e.g., plant science, animal behavior) are available by reservation. Group and school rates are tailored to group size and must be arranged in advance via:

Coaches can park inside, and staff may provide listening devices and informational materials for guided visits.

Events & Special Activities

There’s no fixed public event calendar, but the park hosts regular educational and nature-themed activities. These include insect days, natural science drawing sessions, puppet shows about animals, and garden treasure hunts for kids. Seasonal events may coincide with local festivals, and special evening openings can be arranged in partnership with Stresa’s city events. Event schedules are posted on the official website and the park’s Facebook page.

Where to Stay After Visiting Villa Pallavicino Park

Visiting Villa Pallavicino feels like entering a gentle realm—shaded paths, curious deer, and quiet wonder. As the day winds down and your heart fills with soft impressions, you don’t just want a hotel— you seek a return that sustains this atmosphere.

Hartmann Feel at Home offers exactly that:
A villa nestled in the greenery of Gignese’s tranquil hills, just minutes from Stresa. Here, the forest breathes, true silence reigns, and each room welcomes you with thoughtful warmth. Not a hotel—a home with a soul.

Room Options

  • Swadhisthana: A suite with a private Jacuzzi and direct garden access—perfect for unwinding after a day at the park.
  • Sahasrara: Situated in the turret, with stunning lake views—ideal for dreaming slowly.
  • Ajna: A two-room suite with spacious, light-filled areas—great for families or couples seeking personal space.
  • Anahata: An airy and creative room with a mezzanine bed—ideal for those who appreciate character and lightness.
  • Manipura: A practical ground-floor room with a cozy queen bed and garden view—simply elegant.
  • Vishuddha: A small, intimate space offering peace and understated beauty.

Post-Park Tranquility

At Hartmann Feel at Home there are no crowded hallways or rigid schedules—just what you need to continue a day spent in nature:

  • A forest Jacuzzi to release tension
  • An always-open yoga room for meditative breathing
  • Natural breakfasts: no noisy buffet, just good bread, authentic jam, fruit, and serenity
  • Living gardens, books to discover, and peaceful corners throughout

After Villa Pallavicino, Hartmann is your natural continuation—a transition from wonder to genuine rest, shaped by quiet gestures, soft light, and meaningful silence.

Below, you can book directly through the website: