Capturing Salita Serbelloni, the iconic stepped shopping street that climbs from Bellagio's lakefront to the historic borgo above. Originally designed as a cordonata — a wide-stepped street with gentle stone risers — it was engineered so noble horses and pack mules carrying olive oil and silk could easily ascend from the harbour boats to the ducal palaces at the top of Bellagio. The cobbled alley is lined with colourful boutiques, artisan workshops, cafés, and restaurants, creating one of the most photographed views on Lake Como. Medieval defensive walls still flank the right side, remnants of the ancient fortifications that protected the borgo.
 
Interesting facts...
Locals still call this area "The Ditch" (Il Fossato) in memory of the medieval vallum — a defensive ditch dug to protect the village. The wall on the right was part of the town's medieval defence system, which had three gateways: one at the top where a drawbridge once stood, one at the foot where the little portico links to Hotel Metropole, and one near the church's bell tower. Salita Serbelloni is one of Bellagio's most Instagrammed locations, with its stepped alley of flagstone paths, ivy-clad arches, and boutiques selling hand-painted ceramics, silk scarves, leather goods, and local olive oil. The street connects the lakeside promenade to Via Garibaldi, Bellagio's main shopping thoroughfare. Shops here include Quelli della Pelle (leather goods since 1968), Azalea (silk scarves and ties), and Enoteca la Principessa with its self-service wine tasting machine.
 
Location: Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy