Italy: Modena
Modena dates back to a prehistoric Celtic settlement and then a Roman colony from 128 BC. In the 13th century, the powerful Este clan from Ferrara took over Modena and made it their new capital and went on a grand endeavor of constructing many architectural treasures as well as redesigning the city as a series of concentric circles. The sparkling white Cathedral and the equally sparkling white tower of Torre Ghirlandina are listed as UNESCO sites. The tower rises to 88m and you can actually climb to the the top for some panoramic views. Or just walk around in circles (literally) along the colorful medieval houses.
