San Marino is the smallest republic of the entire world and one of the least visited countries in all of Western Europe. Many people don’t even know it exists.
The country takes its name from Marinus, a stonemason who lived on a Roman island in modern-day Croatia, but fled to mountain in Italy because he was being persecuted for his Christian faith. Here he built a small church and reconstructed a city wall and thus founded what is now the city and state of San Marino in 301AD.
When I heard about this little country, I knew I had to visit!
The country’s economy mainly relies on finance, industry, services and tourism. It is one of the wealthiest countries in the world with one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, no national debt and a budget surplus. It is the only country with more vehicles than people.
San Marino is entirely surrounded by the country of Italy, but is indeed an independent country. I enlisted my Italian cousin, Andreas, to accompany me on this journey.
After taking long train and bus rides from the western coast of Italy, we arrived in the tiny, mountainous country. We actually found a very relaxed campground to stay at with a superb pool!
We had to hike quite a bit to reach the famous towers and old city walls.
The view from the top of the country is amazing!
These towers protected the country through the generations. San Marino is considered to have the earliest written constitution still in effect and is the world’s oldest republic.
In all, a great little trip to a great little country!
You are interesting and I like your blog. I have been to 74 countries, 3 more coming this year, and I don’t meet too often people who are as well traveled as me. Love it.
I have been in San Marino three years ago, I even recognized the location.
Thanks for sharing.