Isernia, Italy

Capital City

With a population of just 20,617, Isernia is a small Italian town that may seem quaint on the surface, but has a long history of destruction and instability. The city has been repeatedly ravaged by earthquakes, Saracen invasions, and even Allied bombing raids during World War II. While the medieval Fontana Fraterna fountain and Roman archaeological sites offer some cultural appeal, the frequent natural disasters and violent past suggest this is not the idyllic Italian destination many dream of. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the town being recolonized multiple times under different rulers. Isernia may hold niche appeal for history buffs, but most would-be expats would be better off exploring Italy's more stable and vibrant regions.