Busseto

Sleepy Busseto’s greatest claim to fame is local son Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901), who was not exactly born here—he was born in Le Roncole, a stone’s throw away. However, he always considered this town his home. It’s in the middle of cultivated countryside, and was known since Carolingian times as Buxetum. In 1533 it attracted the attention of Habsburg emperor Charles V, who became lord of the city. Now it attracts opera lovers who wish to walk in the grand maestro’s footsteps—either by hearing one of his works at the local theater or by touring either of his country estates.