July 9, 2017 Comments Off on San Marino – one of the smallest but also oldest countries in the world Views: 2978 Urban Trekker

The list of oldest countries in the world is overwhelmed by spacious nations such as Greece, China, Egypt, France or Portugal to name a few. Then, there is also San Marino. With only 61 square km in size (23.5 square miles), San Marino is the home of slightly more than 30,000 inhabitants. But, it remains an independent country with its own laws and Government. South of the Italian city of Rimini, in the region of Emilia-Romagna, this tiny European country is embraced by the borders of Italy on all sides.

As tradition suggests, San Marino was founded by stonecutter Marinus of Arbe. He fled the Roman Empire due to religious persecution and settled at the base of Mount Titano. It is deemed that the official founding date of the little country is 3th of September 301 AD, which makes it very old country indeed. Naturally, the name goes after the founder, St. Marinus.

Did you know?

If all the citizens of San Marino went to Wembley Stadium, there would be still 56,318 seats left empty!

It is the third smallest country in the Europe, but San Marino enchants everyone with its spirit, unique cuisine and beautiful nature. There are no borders to enter its territory so anyone can do so without a passport. However, if you wish to have the San Marino stamp in your passport, you are obliged to pay a governmental fee of EUR 5.

Perhaps the most interesting event in San Marino is the theatrical spectacle of the Medieval days festival which takes place each July. Within the festival, everyone can experience the medieval spirit, get dressed in traditional clothing and enjoy street performances at every corner of the city. That is one memorable way to experience the uniqueness of this oldest country.

Landmarks of San Marino

Although by size, it is one of the smallest countries at world level, San Marino has much to offer its visitors.

Basilica di San Marino which was completed at the beginning of the 19th century. Dedicated to the state’s founder, is certainly one of the landmarks not to miss while hanging around. It is situated on Piazza Domus Plebis at the northeastern edge of the city. The church was erected in 1836, taking over the place of an earlier one dated to 7th century. The site never fails to dazzle visitors in its Neoclassical glory.

Art lovers can certainly enjoy the Wax Museum that features some 100 wax figures that depict important faces of history. Each figure is dressed in clothes, representing the era they lived in. Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Jacqueline Kennedy or Pope John XXIII are some of the prominent names featured in the museum’s permanent exhibition.

One more museum we warmly recommend for you is the Maranello Rossi-Ferrari Museum, dedicated to the history, life and the automobiles of Enzo Ferrari. Among the 25 Ferrari cars displayed at the venue, the most important one is 250 GTO Red that has won the World Championship thrice.

Last but not least, perhaps the most beautiful of all San Marino attractions is its Three Towers. The group of towers is located on the three peaks of Monte Titano. The first one is Guaita, that is the oldest and most famous out of the three. It was constructed in the 11th century and for a brief period of time, it was used as a prison.

The second tower is Cesta, located on the highest of Monte Titano’s summits. Here, one can also see a dedicated museum to St. Marinus, built in 1956, and it displays over 1,550 weapons dating the Medieval Era all the way to modern day.

The third tower is called the Montale and it can be found on the smallest of Monte Titano’s summits. It stands there since the 14th century when it had originally provided protection against the increasing power of the Malatesta family in the area. Unfortunately, this tower is not open to the public.

We also thought to remind you of Hanoi’s tranquility and sweet ice coffee… like no other

Written by: D. Aftova

Edited by: Stefan Alijevikj / Julija Miova

Tags: castle, country, history, San Marino, travel, traveler, travelling