The Republic of San Marino, a landlocked country, one of the wealthiest in the world by GDP, the fifth smallest country by area at only 61 square kilometres, completely surrounded by Italy, only about 35,000 residents, yet able to maintain its independence, first from the Romans in 301, then from the Papal States in 1291, and then with its own statutes in 1600.
It even remained independent during Napoleon’s advance across Europe and during the Second World War.
It hasn’t been easy though, but being remote and very mountainous has helped.
The city of San Marino is fascinating, not only because it’s located at the top of Monte Titano – Mount Titan – which likely requires tire chains to navigate in winter, but because the city’s history is so vast and entertaining.
Take for example the origin and name of the city, founded by Saint Marinus, a stonemason fond of giving Christian sermons, living in nearby Rimini, who escaped persecution by fleeing to Monte Titano, where he built a church.
Small beginnings that have led to modern-day San Marino.
Imagine, a city built on top of a mountain. It’s uncanny.
And it doesn’t hurt that the countryside is simply stunning.
I wander through the streets of Old Town – it’s almost entirely old town – and I pretty much cover the entire city end-to-end in a couple of hours.
I see mostly tourists, who I’m told come here to shop because the prices are cheaper than in Italy.
I check out the prices of a few items, but I don’t notice any difference.
I take my lunch in a cafe, where I can see the surrounding mountains and valleys in the drifting mist.
As I eat my pasta, I reflect that in all my travels, I have not met a single traveler claiming to have come from San Marino.
