With a population of some 7000 people, Pieve di Cento is one of Italy’s most charming small towns. Located in Emilia Romagna, the town sits smack in the middle of a geographic triangle formed by the region’s larger and better-known cities: Bologna, Modena and Ferrara.

The town doesn’t receive many tourists even though it is less than an hour’s drive from each of these popular cities. But If you want to savor a bit of authentic Italy where life moves more slowly and history reveals itself one step at a time, Pieve di Cento is well worth a detour for a visit of a half-day or more.