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The
Brissago isles are two: Isola Grande (Great) and Isolino (Little). The first is also called also S. Pancrazio
because of its little church, the second is called S. Apollinare. In  1885 both were called Saint Leger Isles,
taking the name from its owners. The Baroness Antonietta made on the Great Isle a palace in
neoclassical style and a beautiful park rich in exotic plants. After several events, in November
1949 it was subscribed an agreement with which the isles took the name of Brissago and the park
is one of "Botanical Parks of Canton Ticino". It is different from the other botanical parks Switzerland
and of the other frontier lands for the presence of a great number of subtropical exotic plants cultivated
outside. Botanist divided the plants according to different geo-botanical criteria; so they have
been created some vegetal association according to the proceeding of the plants. In this way
the visitor has the impression to be among Australian blue gums with the typical species of the
region, or among the shrubs of Mediterranean undergrowth. The most important and complete
association is those of Mediterranean undergrowth with: arboreal heat, smilace, pistachio trees,
carob, white cisto, rosemary, corbezzolo, little phillorea. Typical species of this association are
marked by the presence of small or tough leaves containing ethereal oils that evaporate during
hot hours; making the temperature of vegetal organs slowing down. Together with Mediterranean
undergrowth you find a Padrenostro tree, whose seeds are used to create the rosary crowns.
Other species, which cohabit, with the mentioned plants are aromatic herbs
(hyssop - balm - lavender - rue - thymus - sage - etc.)
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