The smallest and the oldest Republic in Europe travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

The Most Serene Republic of San Marino is the third smallest nation in Europe after Monaco and Vatican City. San Marino is located in the north-centre part of Italy, just 23 km from Rimini, the closest important Italian city in its vicinity located at the Adriatic Sea. It has a total surface area of 61 square Km and a population of about 28000 inhabitants. San Marino is said to be the world’s oldest surviving republic- it was founded in AD 301. An 1862 friendship and cooperation treaty with Italy, which has since been revised and expanded, reinforced San Marino’s independence. Tourism dominates the economy of the republic. Some three million tourists visits the San Marino every year.

Special events are another draw. The San Marino Grand Prix and brings Formula 1 car racers and fans to nearby Imola, Italy in late April. However, the race does not take place in San Marino, which is considered too small to host the event. Instead, it takes place about 100 kilometers to the northwest along the Via Emilia at the Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari in Imola. During July, the capital celebrates Medieval Days with a week’s worth of processions, crossbow competitions, historic games, nightly feasts, and other activities.

The historical center of the city of San Marino likewise has a relaxed medieval ambiance which invites a leisurely exploration of its streets and alleys. There is an abundance of interesting architecture and art, the museum is fascinating, the dining is superb and the views from the city walls are stunning. San Marino’s three fortresses are worth a visit. The castles are perched along the cliffs of Monte Titano, where they offer panoramic views of the local countryside, the Italian resort of Rimini, and the Adriatic coast. The austere La Rocca, also known as the First Tower, is the oldest of the three defensive towers that overlook the city, dating back to the 11th century. The entrance of the pentagonal structure displays the republic’s baroque coat of arms, purloined from the Palazzo Publico (the Square of Republic).

The Palazzo Publico (the square of Republic) sits on the site of the old Large Communal House. The first stone was laid in 1884 by architectural designer Francesco Azzurri. The work was undertaken by local stone cutters using stones extracted from the nearby Monte Titano caves. The building is all richly carved stone, polygonal balconies, castellated battlements, and memento moires to the republic’s saintly heroes, San Marino and San Leo. There are also a number of older art pieces that are worth a look: under the porch you’ll find a marble bust of the architect Azzurri, sculpted by Giulio Tadolini; a bust of Carducci, that looks out upon Pianello, or Piazza della Liberta Square.