Which Italian cities offer the most satisfying quality of life and work? Surprisingly, it's not the major metropolitan hubs, but rather mid-sized cities like Bologna in Emilia Romagna, Verona in Veneto, and Bergamo in Lombardy. That's according to a newly released study examining how urban areas shape Italy’s national reputation.

The goal is to measure each city's perceived social value—seen as a key factor in boosting economic, cultural, and tourism appeal. Topping the list are, in fact, these mid-sized cities. According to the report, Bologna strikes “the ideal balance between quality of life and economic productivity,” followed closely by Verona and Bergamo, thanks to their safety, public services, and environmental sustainability.