Škofja Loka, Slovenia

Capital City

With a population of just 11,797, Škofja Loka may seem like a quaint Slovenian town, but the reality is far from idyllic. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the town's history has been "tied to that of the distant ecclesiastical principality" for over a millennium. And while the medieval architecture is undoubtedly charming, the town has also seen its share of upheaval, from peasant revolts to Nazi occupation during World War II.

That said, Škofja Loka does offer a glimpse into Slovenia's rich cultural heritage. It is the birthplace of the country's oldest play, the Škofja Loka Passion Play, and boasts a well-preserved historic center that was proclaimed a cultural monument in 1987. But for those seeking a quiet, trouble-free life abroad, this town may not be the best fit.