SAN MARINO THE WORLD’S OLDEST REPUBLIC
SAN MARINO - THE WORLD’S OLDEST REPUBLIC
The Democratic Republic of San Marino, known as the world’s smallest and oldest constitutional republic, is a developed landlocked European country. It has a population of almost 34,000 and its capital is San Marino City. The city is set high on the western slopes of Monte Titano/Titan and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The country is about 10 kilometres from the Adriatic Sea and surrounded by Italy. It was founded in AD 301 (4th century) by Saint Marinus, a stone mason, and has maintained its identity for more than a millennium. San Marino is the third-smallest country in Europe (Vatican City – the smallest country in Europe). It is a serene, hilly country with no substantial flat lands, and thrives on agriculture (products are wine and cheese), banking, and tourism. It exports fabric, clothing, ceramics, coins, and postage stamps (keenly sought by collectors), which are also important sources of revenue. Please keep reading to learn more about San Marino, the world’s oldest republic.
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HOW TO GET TO SAN MARINO CITY?
Entering San Marino, was a somewhat tedious feat because firstly, the country has no airport, so you cannot fly directly to it. Secondly, it has no train/metro service. Based on my experience, I will recommend the easiest way to get to it. Consider that from your country, you must enter via Italy. Therefore, the first option is to fly to Rimini Federico Fellini International Airport, Italy (its closest neighbor). Then take a bus downtown Rimini to get the San Marino bus (there are no direct buses from the airport).
The second option is to take a bus or train to Rimini, Italy (Centro Studi), and from there, it is easiest to get to San Marino. Continuing, from downtown Rimini, look for the designated San Marino bus stops (one is across from the Rimini Railway station). The buses to San Marino run every 45 minutes or so and are your only way to get there unless you pay a taxi which will run a bill of over 100 Euro. It costs 7 Euro by bus, and you can purchase tickets online, directly from the bus driver, or the kiosks at the Rimini metro station. The journey averages 45 minutes – 1 hour to San Marino city centre.
On arrival in San Marino, stop at Borgo Maggiore Bus Station, and from the parking lot, you can opt for a scenic cable car ride to the top of the city. The other option is to get off at the last station and hike to Old Town. I would not recommend walking to the city because the uphill walk is long and tiring (the Centre is on the top of a mountain). I recommend the cable car which costs only 3 Euro one-way, 5 Euro two-way, for less than a 5-minute ride.
ABOUT SAN MARINO CITY
San Marino City, as previously mentioned (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the capital of San Marino. The historical city with its small medieval Old Town is uniquely perched on the peak of Monte Titano. San Marino is a hilly country, and its highest, most imposing mountain is its city center, and everything else is below. Mount Titano/Titan (the highest point in the country), encompasses a scattering of smaller towns and villages and offers breathtaking views. This was the first time I had seen a country/city in such a setting. I will explain precisely how the country and city appear.
Picture a flat-bottom ice cream cone filled with ice cream swirl. The majority of the country is from the bottom of the cone to where the ice cream begins. Continuing from the beginning of the ice cream to the top of it is the way to the city (around and around, higher and higher). Thereafter, the tippy top of the ice cream is the very compact city center, overlooking the rest of the country.
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Notwithstanding, the drive to the top causes your eardrums to pop the higher you go, similar to taking off in a plane because it is perched 749 meters (2,457 ft.) above sea level. Considering there are other countries with higher capitals but because San Marino is a tiny country, it can feel overwhelming.
Moreover, the city has no substantial flat ground, so you need to have some fitness level to walk around it. Why? Because to shop or sightsee you would either be walking uphill or downhill.
To enter into the city, after exiting your bus or taxi, you must enter through an archway as if entering a building or fortress. That’s because it is a walled city with many different levels. Furthermore, looking down from one level to the next is like an ancient multilevel building but with roads…it’s the best way I can describe the layout. However, the furthest sides of the city offer the most breathtaking views of the surrounding areas of the country.
The city has numerous cafes, souvenir shops, restaurants, museums, towers, bastions, and yes, several gun shops and sword shops. The funny thing is, there is a shop in the city selling dictator beers and wines, meaning labels with the faces of Hitler, Tito, Stalin, and others on the bottles. This is something I have never seen in all my travels and certainly didn’t expect to find in this city. However, most importantly, the three most famous towers (Cesta, Montale, and Guaita) are the most iconic and prominent features on the mountain. They are also the tallest structures, and to view them is a very long and arduous trek from the city center.
It seems that San Marino City is more of a day-visit city because most people flock to it during the day and disappear at night. Therefore, those in search of vibrant nightlife will not find it there. San Marino is known for its medieval walled Old Town, with many narrow, winding, and steep, cobblestone roads and steps, and many steep slopes to maneuver. Therefore, when visiting, wear appropriate shoes (especially those with mobility issues).
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Furthermore, because it’s a small, medieval city, you can walk to most sites. San Marino City is truly a clean, peaceful, charming city, full of mystery. I would suggest a maximum stay of 3 to 4 days to enjoy at a slower pace. However in a day or two you can see, enjoy, and soak up its charm. P.S. Before departing the city, head over to the Tourism Office to get your passport stamped with an official San Marino stamp for only €5, and FYI it is not mandatory.
Points to note when in the city: between 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. there is no public transport (buses) within San Marino. This means that after these hours to return to your hotel or if leaving the country, you will have no other option but to take a taxi which is ridiculously expensive for even the shortest ride.
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Tips and Fun Facts about San Marino
- The languages spoken – Italian (the official language) Sammarinese and dialect or Romagnol (among the older population).
- Official currency – Euro (although it is not part of the European Union).
- San Marino is the world’s 5th smallest country.
- Abraham Lincoln was made an honorary citizen of San Marino in 1861.
- San Marino was one of the first countries to have a postal system. It issued its first postage stamp in 1877. (Reason why rare postage stamps are big money earners).
- The world’s oldest continuous republic is San Marino (founded in 301 AD), with a constitution dating back to 1600.
- San Marino is an appealing tax haven option because of its implementation of a territorial tax system that taxes income generated within the country.
- Italy imports almost 80% of the goods that San Marino manufactures.
- San Marino is governed by a Grand and General council with two Captain Regents elected semi-annually as dual Heads of State. They designed this system this way since 1243, to prevent the concentration of power and to ensure democratic governance. The Captains Regents preside over a 60-member council, enforce laws, and serve the people for six months, then new elections.
- San Marino has the most liberal gun laws in Western Europe.
- Because San Marino is a landlocked country, it has no beaches or coastline.
- Looking for your favourite fast food outlet McDonalds and KFC? You will not find any fast food chain restaurants in San Marino. (Reminds of Montenegro and Turks and Caicos, Vatican City – they had none when I visited).
- San Marino is one of the few that consistently ranks high among countries with the highest life expectancy.
- San Marino has one of the highest car ownership rates and is one of the few countries with more cars than people.
- The historic center of San Marino – San Marino City and its Titan Mountain – Mount Titano, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- San Marino is one of the three countries in the world that one country surrounds (Italy). The other two are Lesotho (South Africa) and Vatican City (Italy).
- San Marino imports electricity from Italy via an electrical grid.
- San Marino is one of the few countries worldwide without a national debt.
- Of all the European countries, San Marino has the smallest population.
- San Marino is one of the few countries without a military force Yes, they have a small military but nothing to fight in the event of a war.
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ABOUT THE PEOPLE OF SAN MARINO
The San Marino locals or Sammarinese are peaceful, hospitable, open, and kind. They truly know how to appreciate and welcome their visitors. Just remember they are not Italians, and dislike being referred to as such. They are an independent people and country with a strong sense of national identity.
Additionally, they are mostly religious people, with Roman Catholicism being the dominant religion. Just about everywhere I went I felt welcomed and everyone was happy to have an “exotic” (as some referred to me) Caribbean person in their country. Most wanted to know why I was in the cold and not basking in the sun back home…ha-ha.
During my short visit, I met many lovely people and I must say hello to Giancarlo, a perfect gentleman very jovial, and helpful. Also special hello to the owners (one female one male) of two restaurants (names I cannot recall), one was very kind and helpful when I needed assistance with my phone and a taxi. The other brought me free San Marino treats to sample while having lunch. Even the police officers were pleasant, especially those at the crosswalk entrance to the Old City. A special hello to Katt, her mom, and her dad who were visiting from the U.S.A.
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SAN MARINO SAFETY AND SECURITY
San Marino is as safe as it can get in any “crime-free” country. I am sure to redo my list of the 50 safest countries around the world and add it. With such a small, vigilant population, and the efficient local police force, it is easy for them to monitor and manage. Additionally, they are well-regarded by the locals, so they work hand in hand to maintain public order and safety. As a consequence, the word crime, petty or otherwise seems nonexistent. For these reasons, I felt safe and heard of no incidents throughout my 3-day stay. I also walked the streets, public gardens, and trails alone, incident-free. Therefore, it is perfect and highly recommended for all, especially female, solo travellers.
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HOW EXPENSIVE ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS, MEALS, AND TRANSPORTATION?
Prices for almost everything in San Marino were certainly not cheap. The cost of accommodation was fairly okay. However, one of the nights I was there, the price tripled for the same room because of a Eurovision 2025 competition, which attracted more visitors to the city. The primary modes of public transport in the city are buses, taxis, bikes, and even the aerial cable car. The cheapest thing in San Marino is the bus. Expectedly, taxis were not just expensive, but exorbitantly-priced for even the shortest ride. Regarding meals, the most basic dish at any restaurant was nothing less than 10.00 Euros.
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ABOUT SAN MARINO CUISINE
San Marino cuisine is influenced by the traditional dishes of surrounding regions of Italy especially in Marche and Romagna. Notwithstanding, it has its own local dishes, including wines, and olive oil. Below are some dishes you must try when visiting San Marino, the world’s oldest republic.
ABOUT SAN MARINO CUISINE
- Torte Tre Monti (a local wafer-like cake honoring the tree towers in San Marino).
- Passatelli (a typical local dish made with pasta, eggs, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and nutmeg are also added to this dish. They frequently serve it in a broth or with accompanying sauce).
- Baccala alla San Marino (a mixture of Baccala or codfish with capers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. They usually serve it with crusty bread or polenta).
- Stozzapreti (a popular type of pasta in Italian cuisine associated with Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions. While not originating in San Marino, you can find this popular dish in many local restaurants).
- La Piada or Piadina (this staple of San Marino is a soft, chewy flatbread. They serve it with various fillings such as meats, vegetables, and cheeses, and it is an on-the-go street food).
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TOP 5 MUST-DO/SEE SITES SAN MARINO CITY
- Guaita Tower, Cesta Tower, and Montale Tower (located on the three peaks of Mount Titano which stands at 739 meters). The three massive towers overlook the valley of San Marino. Guaita is the first, (11th century) oldest, tallest, and most famous tower, built on a rock without foundation. Cesta is the second (13th century) and on the second highest peak. Montale Tower the third (14th century) is on the shortest summit of the mountain. Additionally, they are depicted on both the country’s national flag and coat of arms.
- Basilica del St. Marino (this neoclassical-styled basilica was built and dedicated to Saint Marinus, the patron and founder in 1836. It is the main church of the city, built on the site of a previous church from the 7th Consequently, you can find many relics of the saint inside).
- Palazzo Pubblico/Public Palace of the Republic of San Marino (the seat of government of the country and where the parliament has met since the 1880s). The castle-like structure includes a clock tower, which was built in the 19th century, and you can visit to see the changing of the guards.
- San Marino Nature Park (a small but beautiful nature park with hiking trails. It has breathtaking landscapes and sculptures and is full of history). Moreover, it is a photographer’s dream. P.S. When there, find “the hanging rock” for fantastic photo options.
- Museo de la Tortura/Museum of Torture (a museum of obscene and torturous tools and gadgets used in the past to brutally punish the oppressed). It just shows how sick and emotionally bankrupt people were back then.
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SUMMARY
San Marino is a mystical, country with gorgeous landscapes and mountains, medieval architecture, and scenery. Even though it’s a small country, it is big on attractions and hospitality. Simply put, it is an underrated gem in Europe. Furthermore, my visit was more of a novelty, because it was one of my last few unventured European countries. Therefore, for those who think it might be somewhat tedious to get to, I would agree, but it is part of the adventure. However, once there, you will see it was worth the time and “transportation trouble” because it is literally a breath of fresh air. Remember, this tiny country sees more than two million visitors every year because there is something special about San Marino, the world’s oldest republic. Therefore, I encourage everyone to visit and enjoy!
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