Macerata

This walkable hilltop town in Italy's Marche region holds one of Europe's oldest universities, founded in 1290, alongside the Sferisterio — a neoclassical open-air arena that hosts summer opera performances. The historic centre, enclosed by medieval walls, is dense with churches and listed buildings, and Macerata is also the birthplace of the Jesuit priest Matteo Ricci. A strong food-and-drink scene fills the compact centre.

• Population30,842
• Nearest water from center1.1 km
• Nearest mountain from center9.9 km