Located in central Italy, Southern Europe, San Marino is a small
landlocked independent state of Italy bordered by the Italian
regions of Emilia-Romagna to the north and east and Marche to
the south and west. The landscape is green with rolling
hills and set amid the rugged Appennines mountain range, mostly
on the slopes of Mt. Titano, just inland from the Adriatic Sea
and close to Rimini.
Travel Insurance for San Marino:
Area: Europe *
Mount Titano is the highest elevation
of the country, at approx. 2,500 feet and there are no major
lakes or rivers. It is the oldest state in Europe
and the third smallest independent state in Europe after Vatican
City (the Holy See) and Monaco.
The native inhabitants of independent nation of San Marino are
called the Sammarinese. It is believed that the nation
has been independent since approx 301 A.D. when a Christian stonemason
called Marinus was forced to flee his hometown to escape from
the Roman Empire. He found refuge on Mount Titano and
there began a community of a small following of people who also
lived by Christian beliefs. The nation was named in honour
of his memory. Originally, San Marino consisted of
just Mount Titano, but during the 14th century the Pope allotted
more towns to San Marino, including Fiorentino, Serravalle and
Montegiardino. At a later date the town of Faetano also
joined the republic. San Marino has experienced occupation
by foreign military forces on two occasions in its history. San
Marino joined the U.N. in 1992. Although San Marino is
not officially a part of the E.U. is does use the Euro as currency
with its own national symbols. The Sammarinese survived
for many centuries on farming and quarrying stone but today the
economy relies mainly upon tourism.
The population is comprised of native Sammarinese and Italians. The
official language is Italian and the dominant religion is Roman
Catholic.
The capital city, San Marino, is the most visited of all the
cities in the state, located on the western slope of the three-peaked
Mount Titano. Each peak has a fortress, and tours are
available in some. The medieval town centre is perfect
for exploring on foot with its narrow streets, old walls, ramparts
and fortresses. Sights to explore include the Gothic Palazzo
and Piazza della Liberta. The fourteenth century San Francesco
church has paintings by Bellini and Guercino. There is
also a museum art gallery and national library. The
Basilica di San Marino is reputed to hold the patron saint’s
remains. From the Basilica you can take a scenic walk to
the fortresses and old prison atop Mount Titano
San Marino is divided into nine municipalities, each set on
a different hill. The municipalities are known as castles
(castelli) and are also towns. They are: the City
of San Marino, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Acquaviva, Domagnano,
Serravalle, Montegiardino, Fiorentino and Faetano. One
of the largest towns is called Dogana, which is in the municipality
of Serravalle.
San Marino has its own Formula One Grand Prix motor race at
Imola, which is a separate race from the Italian Grand Prix. The
area of Imola is also home to the manufacturers of Ferrari, Maserati
and Lamborghini.
Set on its hilltop location, San Marino is a popular day trip
location for visitors from Rimini and other surrounding resorts
lying along with the Adriatic Sea which are all visible from
the high vantage point of San Marino. The centre
of the city of San Marino is mostly pedestrian, with parking
available outside the medieval city walls. The Feast
of the Foundation of the Republic is a popular event held every
September. The stamps produced in San Marino are popular
with collectors, as are the specially minted coins.
There is no airport at San Marino with the nearest airport being
at Rimini. San Marino can be reached by train or bus from
Rimini. A cable car transports visitors to San Marino from
nearby Borgo Maggiore. There are some hotels in San
Marino and also some camping sites.
Weather
San Marino’s climate is Mediterranean, with cool winters
with some snow, and warm summers with occasional showers. The
temperatures are cooled and freshened by sea breezes. |
