For 6 weeks I lived in Galliera Veneto, Padua, Italy, with an Italian family. It was a very small town, in the north of Italy–a completely different experience than 13 years prior when I had studied abroad in Rome.

In a different part of the country, under different circumstances and obligations, at a different point in my life, my life and adventures took a different course. I had done the big cities (Rome, Venice, Florence). Now, it was time for lesser known cities . . .

. . . like Cittadella!

Cittadella was a military outpost in the 13th century, so when you get off the train, you walk a bit, and within 5 minutes you’re in the heart and center of a walled city.

According to what I read and learned, it’s the only walled city in all of Europe! So, it’s a perfect stop to not just walk the entirety of the walled city, it’s enough time to check out the wall itself–that’s right, it has a fully functional walkway nearly 50 feet (15 meters) above ground.

Once you’re done walking the walls, checking out the shops, and feeling like a local, make a stop at Caffé Al Pozzo.

Every coffee shop, every coffee bar, is lovely. Every gelato place is excellent–you can get coffee there too. Nevertheless, I have a special place in my heart for Al Pozzo.

It’s small, but most bars in Italy are small. It has a lovely outdoor seating area, which on a sunny day must be magical; I was there during the winter, so I stayed indoors. The decor is a little fun, orange is one of my favorite colors. The coffee is superb; I got something different each time, and every time, it was delicious. Al Pozzo was also the first place I had brioche, a chocolate brioche, during my travels. This is heavenly. Finally, and I cannot stress this enough, the customer service was superb.

I truly appreciate anyone who patiently waits as I try to think of the right words, and fumble through my coins trying to figure out exact change. Al Pozzo does all of that–and more.

So, if you’re ever in Cittadella, stop by Al Pozzo–they’ll not only treat you well, but you’ll be able to enjoy some great coffee and brioche too.