During Chinese National Day Holidays of 2016, I took some additional days off and caught a flight to Rome for two weeks long road trip across Italy, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City. After a week of visiting Pisa, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Monaco, we drove to San Marino, a mountainous micro-state surrounded by north-central Italy.
San Marino, also known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, is an enclaved microstate in Southern Europe surrounded by Italy. It is one of only three countries in the world to be completely enclosed by another country; the others being Vatican City, also enclosed by Italy, and Lesotho, enclosed by South Africa.
San Marino covers a land area of just over 61 km2 (24 sq mi), and has a population of 33,562. It is the third smallest country in Europe, after Vatican City and Monaco, and the fifth smallest country in the world. Its capital, the City of San Marino, is set at the highest point of the country on a steep mountain.
The official founding date of Republic of San Marino is 3 September 301. In 1320 the community of Chiesanuova chose to join the country. In 1463 San Marino was extended with the communities of Faetano, Fiorentino, Montegiardino, and Serravalle, after which the country’s borders have remained unchanged. San Marino lays claim to being the oldest extant sovereign state, as well as the oldest constitutional republic. San Marino is considered to have the earliest written governing documents still in effect, as the Statues of 1600 are still at the core of its constitutional framework.
The urban heart of the city of San Marino was protected by three towers: the first, Guaita, constructed in the 11th century, was famous for being impenetrable, which to a great extent discouraged attacks on the city. The second tower, Cesta, built in 13th century. The third tower, the Montale, constructed in 14th century – the smallest of all and constructed on the last of the summits of Monte Titano. The three towers are depicted on both the national flag and coat of arms.
Pictures below are from the Historic City center of San Marino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.
Porta San Francesco, the main entrance gate to San Marino old town. It was built in 1361 in order to protect against the army of the Malatesta, transfigured in 1451 and restored in 1581.The coats of arms of San Marino (with three mountain towers) above the Porta San Francesco, the main entrance gate to San Marino old town.The Guaita fortress, the oldest of the three towers constructed on Monte Titano overlooking the town of San Marino. It was built in the 11th century and served briefly as a prison. It is one of the three towers depicted on both the national flag and coat of arms. It was registered as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2008.Piazza della Libertà, the main city square. In the front is the Statua della Libertà (Statue of Freedom) wearing a crown with three towers representing the fortified city of San Marino. In the Background is the Palazzo Pubblico (‘Public Palace’), the town hall of the City of San Marino as well as its official Government Building. The building, where official State ceremonies take place, is the seat of the Republic’s main institutional and administrative bodiesSan Marino City (The Città) can be roughly grouped into 12 levels. The map of San Marino City showing the different levels on which the buildings are built. This map shows how San Marino has a very high vertical population density. Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, in memory of an Italian general, who contributed to the Italian unification and the creation of the Kingdom of Italy. Hunted by Austrian, French, Spanish, and Neapolitan troops, Garibaldi took temporary refuge in San Marino.Cassa di Risparmio della Repubblica di San Marino, Founded in 1882, it is San Marino’s oldest financial institution and the largest bank.Museum of Medieval Criminology and Torture, Not recommendedRoof of houses a level below. San Marino City (The Città) is a vertical city, The old town has roughly 12 levels.A view from Piazza della Libertà: The Town of Borgo Maggiore, second largest town in country of San Marino. It lies at the foot of Monte Titano.A Beautiful sunset over San Marino!Trying to capture beautiful Sunset from my camera.Porta San Francesco after Dark, the main entrance gate to San Marino old town.At Piazza della Libertà, the main city square. The Statua della Libertà (Statue of Freedom) and the Palazzo Pubblico (‘Public Palace’) in the background.My friend from Shanghai who was working in Rome at that time and joined me on this road trip.Locally Brewed San Marino Beer.Our Beautiful Home StayOur wonderful local Host
After visiting San Marino, a mountainous micro-state, I dropped my friend in Rome for back to her work, and I continue driving South towards Positano, a picturesque cliffside village on Amalfi Coast.
In May 2017, 23 days before I was going to complete 50 years, grabbed an opportunity and took an early retirement.. Picked up a backpack and traveling ever since.. Love to travel around the world, experience different culture, local cuisine & drinks .. and take pictures.. so far been to 108 countries and still counting...
Window on the World 