San Marino

by Jacqui Priestley

Have you ever experienced a subliminal attraction to visit a particular foreign land? Well, for me, the tiny independent country of San Marino, has always been something of an enigma. And, as I am something of an amateur explorer, who likes to go off-the-beatenpath, I set off recently to discover Northern Italy and San Marino, and here is what I found.

First, let’s start with a little introduction - San Marino, officially the Republic of San Marino, is one of the world’s oldest republics, with a rich history dating back to ancient times. It is a landlocked microstate surrounded by Italy, located on the northeastern side of the Apennine Mountains.

San Marino’s foundation is traditionally dated to September 3, 301 CE, when Saint Marinus, a Christian stonemason fleeing persecution under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, founded a small Christian community on Monte Titano.

This community established a monastery and eventually developed into a self-governing entity.

According to legend, the area was granted to Marinus by a sympathetic landowner.

During the Middle Ages, San Marino managed to maintain its independence despite the fragmentation and turbulence that characterised the period. The development of a republican system of governance began in the 13th century, with the establishment of the Arengo, an assembly representing the heads of families. This assembly elected the first two Captains Regent in 1243, a practice that continues to this day.

During the Renaissance and early modern period San Marino’s independence was tested. In 1503, Cesare Borgia briefly occupied San Marino, but the republic managed to restore its sovereignty after his death. The Treaty of Fossombrone in 1511, brokered by Pope Julius II, reaffirmed San Marino’s independence and its protection under papal authority.

During the Napoleonic Wars of the 19th Century San Marino managed to avoid conquest by allying diplomatically with France. Napoleon recognised its sovereignty and offered to expand its territory, which San Marino declined to preserve its independence and neutrality. In the mid-19th century, during Italy’s unification process, San Marino offered refuge to Italian revolutionaries, including Giuseppe Garibaldi. Despite its small size, it maintained independence while Italian states unified around it.

In the 20th Century, San Marino remained neutral during both World Wars, although it was briefly occupied by German forces in 1944. Post-World War II, it established a stable political environment and developed its economy, focusing on banking, tourism, and the production of ceramics and textiles. In 1992, San Marino joined the UN, further cementing its place in the international community.

San Marino’s political system retains a unique governmental structure with the Grand and General Council (the parliament) and the Captains Regent as the heads of state, elected every six months, maintaining independence due to its unique status as a symbol of republicanism and continuity.

Mount Titan, is the highest peak in San Marino, rising to an elevation of 739 meters (2,425 feet), Mount Titan is not only a significant geographical landmark but also a symbol of San Marino’s historical and cultural heritage. The mountain is renowned for its three towers: Guaita, Cesta, and Montale, which date back to medieval times and offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding regions.

These towers are part of San Marino’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for their historical importance and preservation. The summit provides an unparalleled vantage point, allowing one to see the Adriatic Sea. The area around Mount Titan is dotted with charming villages and historical sites, adding to its allure as a popular tourist destination. It wasn’t too busy as I wandered around the picturesque villages, in awe, I have to say of its natural beauty, and its historical monuments for the afternoon.

How to get there?

I flew to Bologna and caught the (very slow) fast train to Rimini, and then continuing by public transport on a local bus traversed the very winding uphill journey almost to the top of the Mount Titan, and continued on foot to the three towers. Just worthy of note is that there is a cable car available for this leg of the journey, however, as I was still feeling quite adventurous I decided to trek to the top!

So, was San Marino worth a visit?

Yes, San Marino is well worth visiting. This tiny, mountainous microstate offers stunning views, rich history, medieval architecture, and unique culture. Exploring the Three Towers, and charming streets of the capital - it’s a delightful, off-the-beaten-path destination in Europe.