Crema, Italy

Capital City

With a population of just 34,074, Crema is a small provincial city, far removed from the glitz and glamor of Italy's tourist hotspots. The local economy has traditionally centered around agriculture and manufacturing, though this has led to a persistent bureaucratic headache for residents. Crema's medieval architecture and Lombard-Gothic cathedral are undeniably picturesque, but the harsh winters and sporadic outbreaks of plague throughout its history serve as a sobering reminder that life here is no fairytale. Overall, Crema is best suited for those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience of Italian provincial life, rather than the usual grandiose visions of la dolce vita.