The Republic of San Marino is one of the smallest state entities in the world. It can be considered a peculiar phenomenon, the origins of which lie in the deep Middle Ages with its feudal fragmentation. But throughout the world in general and in Europe in particular, the Middle Ages has long ended. But here this circumstance went unnoticed. And therefore, the borders are so formed here that Italy is on all sides. San Marino does not border with other countries.
But 32 thousand inhabitants of this country are quite satisfied with this state of affairs. They feel quite comfortable on sixty square kilometers of their territory: this land is only theirs and nobody else's. It remains a fair historical mystery why, for many centuries, no one was willing to challenge the sovereignty of such a small, but very proud country.
Italy. San Marino, Monte Titano Mountains
Perhaps, thanks to its unique status, this country attracts many visitors from all over the world. And tourism, of course, is the basis of its microscopic economy. There are not so many places left on Earth whose visit allows you to make a kind of time travel. And if northern Italy is included in your travel itinerary, San Marino should not be skipped in any case. The country is located on a small mountain range Monte Titano, located not far from the Adriatic coast. It is to this three-headed mountain peak that the country owes its existence. It was founded at the beginning of the fourth century by the early Christians, hiding in these mountains from their persecutors.
The independent status of this territory has been maintained for many centuries. Respects him and modern Italy. San Marino is proud of its sovereignty. And this kind of isolation contributed to the formation of that unique look that attracts tourists from all over the world. Of course, this has a certain element of a peculiar game for the pleasure of guests - residents pretend that they live in the Middle Ages, and tourists pretend to believe in it. And everyone is happy. Everyone has the most pleasant memories of medieval realities, the mountains of Monte Titano, San Marino, Italy ... Reviews about traveling to this not-so-serious country are left on the tourist forums the most benevolent and positive. The hospitality of citizens of an independent republic and the high quality of several varieties of local wine are especially noted.
Italy, San Marino. Northeast Tours
Of course, to go exclusively to the Republic of San Marino, bypassing Italy, would be a rather strange decision. But it would be a mistake not to include it in your itinerary when traveling through the northeast of the Apennine Peninsula . The benefit of a visa to visit this sovereign state is not required. In addition, a duty-free zone operates within its borders. And prices for many product groups are lower than in Italy by about 20 percent. So in a medieval state, good shopping is provided. And this is another reason to include San Marino in your tour of the northern Adriatic.