I will have to be quick here, two small children requiring attention.
I choose Guy Gavriel Kay's Sarantine Mosaic for my choice in Fantasy.
It was very hard for me to pick just one of his in this category, but this one will have to do.
It is based or better inspired by 6th century Byzantium. It is a work of historical fiction then, however he throws in elements of the fantastic.
I first read this book (it is in two parts, was too large I think) while on an art history tour of Italy. What a perfect companion when standing before great works of art in the day, then relaxing later inside the world he creates.
It is the story of an Italian mosaic artist and his travels from north central Italy to Byzantium/Sarantium. Of course it is not Italy or Byzantium in the book, but only an obtuse reader would miss it. Much like his other books are clearly based on medieval Italy (Tigana) France (A Song For Arbonne) Spain (The Lions Of Al Rassan), and Britain (The Last Light Of The Sun).
I would gladly have picked any of these for my choice.
Lovely authorized website:
http://www.brightweavings.com/books/sarantine.htm