Isolino Virginia (Islet of Virginia) is a rather charming triangle of land located a few metres from the western shore of Lake Varese, in the territory of Biandronno; only a narrow channel (called Ticinello) separates it from dry land.
The surface area (9,200 m2) is almost entirely covered by luxuriant vegetation home to numerous wild animals, including the Coot, Mallard, Crested Grebe, Little Bittern and the Common Moorhen. They are among the thick beds of reeds flourishing along the shores - the ideal environment for living in absolute peace. Flora includes willows, oak trees, black alders, water lilies, butcher’s-broom and some rare varieties like the bald cypress of the marshes. As it is one of the most famous sites from the European prehistoric period, it has limitations.
Isolino Virginia in history
Known in the 16th century as Isola di S. Biagio for the presence of a little church dedicated to this saint, it was purchased in 1882 by Duke Pompeo Litta who baptised it Camilla in honour of his wife. The duke enriched the island’s vegetation with pine trees, ash trees, fir trees and poplars. About 50 years later, the property was transferred to Andrea Ponti. He is responsible for the island’s current name in honour of his consort.
Studies by abbot Antonio Stoppani in the 1860’s revealed the presence of a prehistoric settlement. Patient research uncovered one of the most important pile-dwellings from the Neolithic period, dating back to approximately 3500 BC. Quartz items, flintstone and obsidian sheets and arrow tips were found here. The donation by Marquis Ponti in 1962 sanctioned the transfer of the property to the Municipality of Varese.
The Ponti Museum on Isolino Virginia
The little villa built by the Ponti family in the second half of the 19th century is now home to a small Prehistoric Museum, which depends on the Villa Mirabello Civic Museum of Archaeology. This is where part of the finds discovered on the island are kept. The remaining archaeological material is on exhibit in the Civil Museums of Varese. The Ponti Museum (only open to the public weekends and holidays from April to October) can be reached by boat from Biandronno with a public service, but there are also berths for private means. Guided visits can be booked throughout the year.
The archaeological park has an outdoor didactic path where the mould of a Neolithic structure is on display (close to the bar/restaurant, which is open year-round), which was dated - using the trunk of a maple tree - to 4800-4680 BC. This educational path illustrates the prehistory of Lake Varese, its peoples and the life they led. In particular, it’s possible to learn how the migrating people used these characteristic homes on the water: pile-dwellings.
Photo gallery Isolino Virginia
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