The salt-kissed island of Sardinia’s capital Cagliari is both bustling city and laidback beach town – and somehow unlike anywhere else in Italy. It is also David’s birthplace.

Phoenician, Greek, Arab, Norman, Spanish, French and American. You name the civilization and at some point it came, stayed and left its mark on Palermo.

Reporting from Trieste: The ever-present Bora wind isn’t the only thing that provides an air of frisson in this intriguing city: it’s also down to its complex history and fascinating geography

From the gothic spires of the Duomo to lashings of Liberty decoration and the crystalline precision of modernists such as Gio Ponti, Milan truly is a built treasure trove.

The architecture of Venice is astounding and so from Carlo’s Scarpa’s Olivetti showroom to the churches of Andrea Paladio, this guide conveys the city’s cultural wealth and variety.

In addition to its well-known historical icons and outlandish opulence, Rome’s architectural footprint comprises some severe modernism and contemporary twists.

The capital of Piedmont spreads out almost entirely on one side of Northern Italy’s artery, the River Po. On the other, eastern side, lush hills form a bucolic background to the city.

The eternal appeal of Rome comes from its bounty of unparalleled cultural assets. To make your stay enjoyable, be sure not to fall into the trap of trying to see all of it in a very short time.

The first of Monocle’s now much respected travel guides, contributing to this lovingly compiled list of the best architecture and places in the Big Smoke was a joy.

A look at some of the French capital’s less-photographed marvels from Oscar Niemeyer’s Communist Party Headquarters, to the art deco Folie Bergère theatre from 1930, to La Défense which is Europe’s largest business district.

In the summer of 2014, Monocle toured this alpine region broadcasting live radio shows and promoting a new travel guide to the region. David was associate producer and associate editor of the project.