- a dwarf state in the northeastern part of the Apennine Peninsula, located south of the city of Rimini, surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy.
The name comes from the name of the saint, the founder of the state.
Official name: Serene Republic of San Marino
Capital:
The area of the land: 61.2 sq. km
Total population: 32.4 thousand people
Administrative division: It is divided into 9 districts.
Form of government: Republic.
Head of State: Two equal captain-regents, elected from among the members of the Grand General Council for a period of 6 months (from April 1 to September 30 and from October 1 to March 31) annually.
Population composition: 80% of the population are Sanmarines, 19% are Italians.
Official language: Italian, Latin is retained as the official language.
Religion: 93% are Catholics.
Internet domain: .sm
Mains voltage: ~ 230 V, 50 Hz
Country dialing code: +39
Country barcode: 800-839
Climate
The climate of the country is subtropical Mediterranean: long, rather dry, hot and sunny summer especially in the plains, and warm, rainy winters, when cyclones often sweep over the territory of San Marino. In winter, snow sometimes falls, sometimes quite significant, with drifts. average temperature the warmest month - July in the country + 25 ° С, the coldest - January - minus 1–4 ° С. The number of frosty days in a year is 15–20.
In winter, the Adriatic coast is exposed to the cold north and north-east wind ("bora"), which causes snowfalls and cloudy weather in winter. Sometimes a northeasterly wind blows ("grekale"). In summer, breezes blow on the plain, and mountain-valley winds blow in the mountainous part of the republic. Average annual quantity precipitation - 890 mm.
Geography
San Marino is one of the smallest (only the Vatican and Monaco are smaller than it) and at the same time the most ancient of the modern states of Europe. The country is located in the northeast of the Apennine Peninsula, on the slopes of Monte Titano, and is surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy. The distance between San Marino and Bologna is 135 km, while Ancona is 130 km. It has no outlet to the sea. Total area 61.2 sq. km.
Flora and fauna
Vegetable world
The vegetation of San Marino has about 4 thousand species. Cork oak, lemon, cypress, pine, laurel, myrtle, pomegranate and olive, pistachio and magnolia, wild strawberry trees, laurel viburnum, boxwood, butchery, southern buckthorn, southern juniper, blue-green agaves, prickly pears grow here from evergreens. Blackberries and mulberries grow in abundance. Quite a lot of bright colors. Of the fruit trees, the most important are olives, figs and chestnuts.
Animal world
Of the animals in San Marino, rodents (squirrels, dormouse, field mice and rats), chamois, roe deer, badger, marten and weasel have survived. There are wild boars, hares, rabbits and foxes. Lots of cicadas. The rivers and streams are home to pike, tench, chub, trout and grayling.
sights
San Marino is one of the most visited European countries by tourists - on average, up to 3 million tourists come here a year. The main "highlight" of the country, even in spite of its tiny size, is the perfectly preserved appearance of the Middle Ages and an abundance of castles. Almost the entire population of the country lives in small castle towns (Aquaviva, Serravalle, Borgo Maggiore, Faetano, Domagnano, Fiorentino, Montegiardino and Chiesanuovo), which have survived almost in their original form. And the rest settlements the countries are so picturesque that they constantly serve as a kind of scenery for historical films.
Banks and currency
Banks are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm with a siesta break from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm.
The official currency of San Marino is the euro. 1 euro is equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, as well as coins of 1 and 2 euros and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, post offices and at the airport (less favorable rate). When exchanging money, a commission is charged. In San Marino, it is commonly used credit cards and traveler's checks. Traveler's checks are best purchased in euros.
Useful information for tourists
A tip (15% of the order amount) is added to the invoice, sometimes it is indicated on the menu that the service charge is included in the prices.
San Marino - the most detailed information about the country with a photo. The main attractions of the Republic of San Marino with descriptions, guides and maps.
Republic of San Marino
San Marino is a dwarf state in Southern Europe... Located in the northeastern part of the Apennine Peninsula, 10 km from Rimini and surrounded on all sides by Italy. San Marino is the oldest republic in the world and one of the smallest countries in the world. The area of the state is just over 60 square kilometers. Despite this, San Marino is an extremely fascinating destination. The historical center of the republic, located on Mount Titano, is included in the list of objects World heritage UNESCO and has preserved medieval architecture, atmosphere and ancient fortress walls.
Geography and climate
San Marino is located in the northeast of the Apennine Peninsula near the Adriatic Sea. The Republic occupies the slopes of the mountain (which is actually a high hill) of Monte Titano and its base. The climate is subtropical Mediterranean. Summers are warm, but not hot. Winters are mild, but colder than on the coast.
The slopes of Monte Titano
Best time to visit
San Marino can be visited all year round.
Practical information
- Population - 33.5 thousand people.
- The area is 61.2 square kilometers.
- Official language- Italian.
- Currency - Euro.
- Visa - Schengen.
- Time - Central European UTC +1, in summer +2.
- Religion - Catholicism.
History
According to legend, San Marino was founded in 301 by the stonecutter Marin and his followers. Together with his friends, he was a member of one of the first Christian communities. After leaving the island of Rab (the territory of present-day Croatia), Marin took refuge on Mount Titano. Here he founded a quarry and built a small cell at the top. The fame of his life quickly spread throughout the area and attracted numerous pilgrims. A monastery was founded on the mountain, named after Saint Marina.
The existence of a monastery at the top of Monte Titano has been known since the 6th century. The monastery lived an independent life and practically did not depend on anyone. In fact, San Marino gained independence in 855. The heads of state are two captain-regents, who are elected every six months. It is believed that San Marino is the oldest republic in the world and one of the oldest states on the planet. Throughout its history, this country has avoided conflict and lived a quiet, peaceful life.
On October 8, 1600, the constitution was adopted. Interestingly, during the Napoleonic wars, San Marino retained not only neutrality, but also independence. Also in the 19th century, during the Risorgimento period, in recognition of the republic's support for the fighters for unification, Giuseppe Garibaldi accepted San Marino's desire to maintain independence. During the First World War, the republic joined the Entente. During the Second World War, it remained neutral. At the same time, the country collaborated with the Italian fascists and was even occupied by German troops for some time.
How to get there
The nearest airport is in Rimini, Italy, as is the train station. You can also use the airports of Bologna and Ancona. The Bonelli 72 bus leaves daily from Rimini to San Marino at fairly regular intervals. Bus station located opposite railway station... Tickets can be bought from the driver or at the Tourist Information Center.
How to get to Rimini - see about the city.
Shopping and shopping
San Marino is a great shopping destination. Here they buy clothes, shoes, perfumes and cosmetics, electronics, musical instruments. The main advantage of shopping in this tiny state is the absence of VAT on goods.
Shopping centers:
- Big & Chic - Via Strada dei Censiti, 1 - 47891 Rovereta
- Azzurro - Via M. Moretti, 23 - 47899 Serravalle
- Atlante - Via Tre Settembre, 17
Food and drink
The gastronomy of San Marino is a reflection of the cuisine of the Emilia-Romagna region: tortelloni (tortelli), lasagna, spaghetti with bolognese sauce, passatelli, prosciutto, various types of cheese, cappelletti, pizza.
sights
The oldest core of the republic is at the top of Mount Monte Titano. Here is the capital of this miniature state, which is also called San Marino. This medieval town covers an area of 7.09 square kilometers and lies at an altitude of over 700 meters. This is an area of ancient streets and stone buildings, ancient walls and towers, as well as the most interesting sights.
The historic center of San Marino was essentially fortified with three rows of city walls, built in three different periods and largely destroyed to allow the city to expand.
The most iconic landmarks of San Marino are the three medieval towers, which have been gazing from the top of Monte Titano for centuries and are symbols of the freedom and independence of the ancient republic.
Guaita or the First Tower is the most picturesque and beautiful medieval tower of San Marino. Built in the 10th century on a rocky foundation without any foundation. The tower was strengthened in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is adjoined by two rows of fortified walls with battlements and small towers at the corners. The stone baroque coat of arms dates back to 1600 and was previously on the façade of the town hall.
Cesta or the Second Tower - is located on the highest peak of Monte Titano and was built in the 11th century. Used as a watchtower and prison until the 16th century. Now it houses a museum of ancient weapons.
Montale or the Third Tower - built in the 13th century and is the smallest of the three. Large boulders can be seen around Montale. ancient rock laid out primitively in the form of a wall. An old prison has also been preserved here.
Palazzo Pubblico or Town Hall is the main building on Freedom Square. It was built in the neo-Gothic style by Francesco Azzurri at the end of the 19th century. The facade is decorated with the coats of arms of the republic and four municipalities. Freedom Square is one of the centers of city life. Several times a day, the ceremony of changing the guard is held here.
Basilica of the Saint - main temple San Marino, which houses the relics of the founder. Built in the 19th century, it is a neoclassical building with Corinthian columns. The interior is a classic basilica style with a long nave and two side aisles. The current church was built on the site of an ancient religious building of the 4th century. This is a serious loss to history, as one of the first pre-Romanesque Christian monuments in Italy was destroyed.
The Church of San Francesco was founded in 1361. It is currently the oldest religious building in San Marino.
San Marino museums
There are several interesting museums on the territory of San Marino:
- The National Museum is an excellent museum with collections from Egyptian antiquities to Byzantine icons, 17th century paintings and antique coins.
- Wax Museum - over 100 figures of famous historical figures.
- The Museum of Curiosities is one of the most unusual museums in San Marino. Collections of the most peculiar and strange objects are collected here.
- Rosso Ferrari Museum - an exposition of vintage cars of the legendary Italian car brand.
- Museum of Modern Weapons - more than 2000 samples of firearms, ammunition and bayonets used in the First and Second World War.
The Republic of San Marino is the oldest state in Europe, surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy. There is no airport in San Marino, and iron post with Italy was destroyed during the Second World War. You can get to San Marino by car, taxi or shuttle bus running between the capital of the state and the Italian Rimini.
The highest point of San Marino is the famous Mount Monte Titano, which is protected by UNESCO. Together with three medieval towers built on the peaks, the mountain is depicted on the coat of arms and flag of the state.
Thanks to its temperate climates and perfectly preserved medieval monuments of architecture San Marino receives high marks from tourists from all over the world. The main attractions are concentrated in the capital of the same name of the state. There are many museums here, the most interesting of which are the Museum of Curiosities, the Museum of Torture, and the Maranello Rosso Collection, which includes more than 250 cars.
The best hotels and hotels at affordable prices.
from 500 rubles / day
What to see in San Marino?
The most interesting and Beautiful places, photos and a short description.
The highest point of San Marino is the Monte Titano limestone mountain, located 13 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea. Three peaks of this mountain are crowned with towers, the first of which was built in the 11th century. These towers symbolize the freedom of San Marino, and since the 14th century they have been depicted on the coat of arms of the state.
The main temple of the capital is the neoclassical basilica of San Marino. Since the 4th century, there was a church built in honor of the patron saint of the country, Saint Marina. In 1838, on the site of the old building, a new church was erected, under the central altar of which part of the relics of St. Marino is kept. In 1926, the building received the status of a minor basilica.
The city square of the capital of San Marino is called Liberty Square, which in Italian sounds like Piazza della Liberta. It houses the marble Statue of Liberty, depicted on the local two-cent coin, and the Palazzo Publico, the main seat of government. With observation deck Piazza della Liberta has a magnificent view.
Not far from the central gate of the capital of San Marino, on the territory of the Franciscan monastery, is the Church of San Francesco, founded in 1361. Today, you can visit the Museum of Church Art and the Art Gallery, where works by masters of the 13th-19th centuries are exhibited.
In the historical center of the capital, next to the gates, there is the Torture Museum, the most frightening examples of which date back to the 16th-17th centuries. The collection of the museum consists of more than a hundred tools and gadgets, among which you can see the Spanish boot, chastity belt, the Iron Maiden and the Inquisitor's Chair.
One of the three famous towers of San Marino, the Montale Tower, is depicted on one of the local coins. Erected in 1320 on the lowest of the peaks of Mount Monte Titano, Montale Tower has been restored many times in its history. Currently, visiting Montale is limited to tourists.
One of the more quirky museums in San Marino is the Curiosities Museum. Exact copies of the most unusual people, objects or phenomena are exhibited here. The Museum of Curiosities consists of several thematic halls, in which you can see both medieval mousetraps, of an original design, and the figure of the tallest man in the world.
The main seat of the government of San Marino, as well as the city hall of the capital, are located in the Palazzo Publico, located in Liberty Square. In 1884-1894, the Palazzo Publiko was erected on the site of the old House of the Great Communes. Today, everyone can visit the famous government building to inspect its luxurious interior decoration.
One of the popular attractions of San Marino, located in the historic center of the city, is the Museum of Modern Weapons. It displays an impressive collection of various weapons used during the First and Second World Wars. Each exhibit is supplied with instructions for its production and use.
One of the three famous towers of San Marino, La Cesta, is first mentioned in historical documents from 1253. In the XIV century, the tower entered the city's defensive complex, and in 1924 La Cesta was restored and opened to tourists. Since 1956, the tower has hosted an exhibition of exhibits from the Museum of Ancient Weapons.
V late XIX century on donations from citizens in the capital of San Marino opened the State Museum. In 1982, the museum moved to Palazzo Pergani Bellucci and, after the restoration of the building, was reopened in 2001. More than 5 thousand historical and artistic exhibits tell visitors the history of San Marino since 1865.
An extensive seating area, a snack bar, a picnic area and many fun rope routes for children and adults alike are San Marino Adventure Park. The safety of guests during the passage of the routes in the trees is ensured by the Park with the help of climbing equipment, which is issued after special instructions.
The first of the three famous towers of San Marino is called Guaita or Prima Torre. It was built in the 11th century and was mainly used as a defensive fortress. Today, the Guaita Tower is a popular tourist attraction, from the top of which opens wonderful views the landscape surrounding the mountain.
The Republic of San Marino (Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino), the Most Serene Republic of San Marino is one of the smallest and best states in the world for life, entirely located on one single mountain and surrounded on all sides by Italy.
For a long time I wanted to visit the Republic of San Marino. Finally it happened!
The area of San Marino is only 60.5 square kilometers, but nevertheless, the country is officially divided into 9 regions, which are called "castelli", that is, fortresses, castles. These are Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Domagnano, Chiesanuova, Monte Giardino, San Marino, Serravalle, Faetano, Fiorentino. The population of the country is about 32000 people, of which 4600 live directly in the capital of the country.
The state of San Marino is located on the slope of the three-headed mountain Monte Titano with a height of 738 meters, so the country has only about 15% of arable land. However, this is enough for growing grapes and producing their own wine.
Immediately upon arrival, tourists are invited to take part in a wine tasting. The local Muscat di San Marino turned out to be excellent, but the famous Casanova wine I did not like at all - lusciously sweet, albeit very aromatic.
The state of San Marino is surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy and is, as it were, squeezed by the regions of Emilia-Romagna and the Marche.
Mount Monte Titano offers magnificent views of these territories.
San Marino is considered the oldest independent state in the world. Officially, the republic has the status independent state from September 3, 301, although formally it was under the protectorate of the neighboring Duchy of Urbino until 855.
Legend has it that the history of the country began in the 4th century AD, when a stonecutter named Marino, originally from the island of Arbe in Dalmatia (present-day Croatia), came to Mount Titano. Marino hid here from the persecution of Christians during the time of the pagan emperor Diocletian and founded a Christian community.
The fame of Marino's supernatural abilities spread far around. In those days, the mountain belonged to a wealthy Roman woman, Felicissima, she gave the mountain to Marina in gratitude for the healing of her sick son. Dying, Marino bequeathed the community to continue living on the mountain. The last words of the Saint were: "I leave you free from other people!"
Millions of tourists come to San Marino every year. The country does not have its own airport, as well as railway station... Before World War II Railway existed, now only a few tunnels remind of it.
Thus, you can get to San Marino only by road or by cable car leading to Borge Maggiore.
There is no border control in San Marino, so it is impossible to understand exactly where the border with Italy passes.
On the three peaks of Mount Titano, there are three fortresses, which are the symbols of the country.
The first tower - Rocca Guaita - the main and most ancient tower of San Marino, is also considered the most ancient fortification in Italy.
I only managed to look inside the fortress for a minute.
The second peak, the Chesta fortress, was only seen from afar. There is always not enough time for everything ...
Honor rises on the very high point mountains of Titan - 755 meters above sea level.
There are many interesting monuments, the historical center of the state is under the protection of UNESCO.
The main cathedral of San Marino - Basilica del Santo is dedicated to Saint Marino and was built in the early 19th century on the remains of a Romanesque church. The luxurious white marble interior in a classic style is not allowed to take pictures.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in San Marino is the Capuchin Church, built in the 16th century. It is she who meets tourists immediately after entering the capital.
In front of the church there is a monument to St. Francis in the form of a tall column.
The interior of the Capuchin Church is rather modest.
The State Palace (Palazzo Pubblico), the city hall of the capital of San Marino, was built in the 15th century. In front of the palace on Freedom Square is installed bronze statue Saint Marinus.
Security state palace carried by a detachment of the Border Guard of the Rocca Guard Service.
In the summer, every hour there is a changing of the guard ceremony, and in the fall, bored guards take pictures with tourists. Not one has passed by yet. I managed to be photographed with two tall handsome men in a luxurious uniform at once.
The Republic of San Marino officially has 2 heads of state, 2 captain-regents, who are elected by the Grand General Council (parliament of the republic), which in turn is elected by universal suffrage every 5 years.
San Marino is proud that the state has never fought with anyone. This is reminiscent of a crossbow installed near a flower bed at the entrance to the country. The country was able to maintain neutrality even during the World Wars.
San Marino has a ton of restaurants and shops. The republic is considered a popular shopping center. In the middle of the last century, they tried to open a casino here in the image and likeness of the richest dwarf state of Monaco, but the powerful neighbor Italy blocked the idea.
I managed to spend only a couple of hours in San Marino on a clear October day, running along the historic center with a camera. And it is worth coming here slowly, for a couple of days, to feel the calm and measured local life.
If in neighboring Italy they live according to the "Piano-piano" principle, then in San Marino, it seems, according to the "Assalutamante piano" principle. It is worth learning from the San Marinians the correct way of life, because the average life expectancy in the country is 89 years. In my opinion, San Marino is one of the most attractive states for life on our planet.
But getting the citizenship of San Marino is easy only for those born here. To obtain citizenship by residence, one must officially reside in the state for at least 30 years. Here, for sure, no one is in a hurry ...
general information
Legend has it that San Marino was founded in the 4th century. Christians who fled from persecution from Dalmatia, among them is a stonecutter named Marino. The country has a constitution that has remained essentially unchanged since 1263; according to it, the legislative power belongs to sixty members of the Grand Council, executive power to ten members of the Council of State and two Captain-Regents, who are elected on April 1 and October 1 for six months, after a magnificent ceremony they take office. San Marino's main sources of income are from the sale of postage stamps, coins, arts and crafts, agriculture and tourism.
San Marino landmarks
It is best to enter Old city, surrounded by a ring of walls through Porta San Francesco, gate of the 15th century. The most important building here is the Church of St. Francis, erected in 1361 by the Komachini craftsmen, where today a Pinakothek with paintings of the 13th-18th centuries is open. To the north-west of the church is a memorial stele commemorating the granting of San Marino's sanctuary to Garibaldi and 2000 of his supporters in 1849. A little higher is Piazza della Liberta, the city's central square with the Statue of Liberty by Stefano Galletga. Here stands the neo-Gothic Palazzo del Governo, also called Pubblico, built in 1894. If you go from here along the Contrada del Pianello, you can get to the so-called. Cantona, where the right-hand side of the funicular terminus is located. From here, on the left, there is a road to Cava dei Balestrieri, a parade square where local crossbowmen demonstrate their skills during the tourist season. The neoclassical Basilica di San Marino contains the relics of St. Marino. To the right of the basilica is the Chapel of San Pietro, where, according to legend, the stone boxes of St. Marino and his companion St. Leo. The multi-stage Salita alla Rocca leads to the ancient fortifications, towering on three peaks of Monte Titano, connected by a passage along the inner side of the fortress wall: Rocca Guaita was built in the 11th century, Rocca Cesta, also called Fratta, in the 13th century. , Rocca Montale - also in the XIII century, and in 1935 it was rebuilt.
How to get there
San Marino can be reached from Rimini via the SS 72 motorway and further along a winding, steep road. A good alternative is to take the funicular from the lower town of Borgo Maggiore.
