Viterbo, Italy

Capital City

The population of Viterbo is 65,949, which should give you pause if you're seeking a small-town vibe. This medieval city in central Italy is a mixed bag, with a well-preserved historic center but also a persistent bureaucratic headache. Nestled between the Monti Cimini and Monti Volsini mountains, Viterbo enjoys a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, though its rainy November weather may dampen your enthusiasm. While the city is a former papal residence with architectural gems like the Palazzo dei Papi, its strategic location also made it a target during World War II, leaving a third of Viterbo destroyed. Ultimately, this complex city is best suited for history buffs undaunted by red tape and wartime scars.