Urbino, Italy

Capital City

With a population of just 13,734, Urbino is a quaint Renaissance town nestled in the hills, but it comes with some persistent headaches. The narrow, winding streets and high seismic risk are constant reminders of the city's medieval roots. And after the Duchy of Urbino was annexed by the Papal States in the 17th century, the bureaucracy has remained a fixture - the town is still governed by a papal legate to this day. While Urbino offers a unique glimpse into Italy's storied past, its small size and administrative baggage make it best suited for history buffs and architecture aficionados, not those seeking modern creature comforts.