Sonārgaon, Bangladesh

Capital City

With a population of just 130,000, Sonārgaon is hardly the bustling metropolis some might expect. The once-thriving river port has faded into a sleepy provincial backwater, its former glory now largely confined to crumbling Mughal-era monuments. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the town's placement on the World Monuments Fund's endangered list a testament to the challenges of preservation. Still, those drawn to Bangladesh's rich history and traditional craftsmanship may find Sonārgaon a compelling, if imperfect, destination.