The name derives from "Strixia", a Lombard term which means strip of land. It 's a climatic station in the province of Verbano Cusio Ossola, located at the foot of Mount Mottarone, a well known ski resort at 1491 meters of altitude between the Cusio and the Verbano. The town is located on the Lake Maggiore, facing the Borromee Islands, an archipelago of three islands, which are part of the town's territory. Its location between the lake, mountain and hill, adequate accommodation, the undoubted charm of natural scenery have made it a very popular tourist resort in all Seasons. Along the beautiful lake side, Stresa features a wide avenue, shaded by trees and flower beds, overlooked by magnificent villas, from where it is possible to admire the Islands. Stresa is a great starting point for interesting excursions to the surrounding Alpine areas, a healthy environment rich in woods and known for its medicinal plants, and towards the Gignese area, where it is possible to visit the Museum of the umbrella.
It was mentioned for the first time in a parchment dating back to year 1000. In the Dark Ages it belonged first to Tortona and then at Novara. In the XIII century it was under the dominion of the Vergante and later of the Visconti and the Borromeo, until it became a possession of Savoy in the XVIII century.

Not to miss:
- the Parish of St. Ambrose, built in 1790 on draft of the architect Zanoia, it features a single aisle. Inside it preserves XIX century sculptures of the artist Somaini and fine paintings dating from the XVII century, attributed to local artists.
- the Romanesque church of San Vittore, dating from the XII century, is located on Isola dei Pescatori (the Fisherman's Island).
- the Borromeo Palace is an imposing building which, together with its vast estate, occupies the entire Isola Bella, the largest of the three Borromee Islands. The building, requested by Charles III Borromeo, was began in 1632 by A. Crivelli and continued in the XVIII century, after the death of the client, under the direction of his children and with the participation of various architects. The palace features two floors and three side wings: The main building contains ornate lounges, the gallery of tapestries, decorated with Flemish tapestries of the XVIII century, the Art Gallery which houses artworks by Giordano, Bramantino, Ferrari and others. The chapel, built in the XIX century, preserves sculptures dating from the XV-XVI centuries. In the underground it features a series of caverns adorned with shells and marble decorations. The Baroque garden are full of plants, sculptures and fountains of the XVIII century.
- Villa Ducale, built in 1770 in a large park, which belonged to the Rosmini and hosts the International Centre for Studies entitled to Rosmini, as well as works and objects of the famous philosopher.
- the Rosmini College, built in 1852, houses the tomb and the monument dedicated to Rosmini, the latter created by Vela.