This historic, butter-coloured, building overlooking central Piazza della Repubblica is both Elba's oldest hotel and where guests of Napoleon are reputed to have stayed.

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This northern Italian city has no shortage of cafes where you can soak up the atmosphere and fuel up on caffeine, but one of the most popular and authentic is Gilli in the Piazza della Repubblica, where you can sip your coffee underneath chandeliers and frescoes.

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