History: origins and
development of the Palace

Located in Brissago and overlooking Lake Maggiore, Palazzo Branca Baccalà is one of the finest examples of elegant Baroque architecture in the region. Its origins date back to the 1500s, with extensions added in the 17th and 18th centuries by the Branca family, who came from Cannobio. In 1666, Antonio Francesco Branca obtained citizenship of Brissago and the residence was gradually enlarged to accommodate the numerous generations of the family.

In 1828, part of the building passed to the Baccalà family. The first section was donated to the municipality by Alfredo Pioda in 1909, while the entire complex was officially purchased by the municipality of Brissago in 1976, with the aim of preserving a historical and landscape heritage of great value.

Over time, the building has undergone major renovations, the last of which was completed in 2024, transforming the residence into a cultural and public centre with a museum, spaces for events and local activities. Of great value are the fresco of the ‘Annunciation’ from 1725 and the monochrome pictorial decorations, which are extremely rare in the region.

The Palace today

Palazzo Branca-Baccalà, in the heart of Brissago, is now a vibrant cultural space open to the community. Following extensive restoration work, the historic building has been reopened to the public with a new purpose: to be a meeting place between past and present, capable of welcoming art, creativity, thought and celebration.

The palace has a dual mission: on the one hand, to promote the architectural and artistic heritage that recounts centuries of local and international history; on the other, to offer high-quality spaces for private events, exhibitions, cultural meetings and activities linked to the local area.

The aim is to create a cultural and social hub for Brissago and the surrounding region, where the elegance of historic surroundings is combined with a contemporary, dynamic and accessible programme of events.

Palazzo Branca-Baccalà is designed for those seeking authenticity, beauty and substance: a place that inspires, welcomes and connects people, ideas and emotions.