Vercelli, Italy

Capital City

With a population of just 45,206, Vercelli is a sleepy, provincial backwater that offers little to tempt most expats. The bitter winters and oppressive summer heat are relentless, while the bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Though the city boasts a rich history and cultural heritage, including the world's first public university founded in 1228, the reality is a dull, insular place that's best avoided by all but the most dedicated Italophiles.