L'Aquila, Italy

Capital City

With a population of just 69,558, L'Aquila is a small college town nestled in Italy's Apennine mountains, far removed from the glamour of Rome. While the surrounding peaks offer prime skiing, the city itself is a persistent headache, plagued by earthquakes that have repeatedly devastated its medieval architecture. Bureaucracy is a constant obstacle, as evidenced by the lack of reliable public transit - the train station sits a 45-minute uphill walk from the city center, with no clear bus connections. For those seeking an authentic taste of rural Italy, L'Aquila may fit the bill, but the relentless cold and seismic risks make it a tough sell for most.