Florian Kriechbaumer 10/13/22 Florian Kriechbaumer 10/13/22

San Marino - Small but Surprising

In the eternal quest to explore all corners of earth, you sometimes have to make your way into the smaller corners, or countries in this case.

In the eternal quest to explore all corners of earth, you sometimes have to make your way into the smaller corners, or countries in this case. San Marino is definitely one of the smallest, at just over 60 sqkm and 33,000 people. In fact, this makes it the oldest extant sovereign state, and also one the wealthiest in terms of per capita GDP.

It was a short road-trip and we had just 36h to explore - on the other hand, its size makes that enough time to explore most of the country’s sights, which are located in the namesake city on Monte Titano (there is a larger community at the foot of the mountain where most people live). On arrival we were greeted with a peculiar cloud rolling in, which was my clue to take a look from above.

San Marino

The fortress of Guaita and its defensive wall visible here, as a low cloud rolled in over the city just before sunset.

It wasn’t quite the weather you’d expect during August in Italy, just 10km from the Adriatic coast. A few minutes later, the city was covered in a layer of fog and clouds, and it became dark, turning the atmosphere into a mix of Christmas and Resident Evil.

Exploring the fortress of Guiata and its two neighboring towers at the cliff of Monte Titano.

Questionable Shops

San Marino has one of the most relaxed weapon laws in Europe, meaning you will commonly find shops as the one on the left. I can't say why shops in the right (a "Christmas House") are popular, especially in the August.

Nightly street vibes

Day 2

Distant Rain

The next day was more promising, with only a few distant rain clouds over the nearby Apennine Mountains.

Guaita Tower

The 11th century fortress is a World Heritage site. San Marino’s independence has partly to do with its location on this hill. As an enclave (one of only three enclave countries), it does hold strong ties with surrounding Italy, particularly related to economic ties, and uses the Euro (although is not part of the EU).

The Three Towers

Alongside Guaita, there are Cesta and Montale towers in the east. They are shown on the country's crest of arms and its flag.

Politics

San Marino’s political system is a peculiar one. It is the world’s oldest constitutional republic with an elected assembly, which in turn elects not one, but two heads of state every six months from opposing parties, called the Captain’s Regents. This tradition is a nod back to the Roman consul times. At the end of their legislature, every Sammarinese (the Demonym for citizens of the country) has 15 days to submit any complaints about their actions - or lack thereof.

Palazzo Pubblico

The seat of the Republic's government body's - notice the car's number plate, no need to guess much whose this is?

As the clouds opened up, I spent the last sunset photographing the country’s most iconic view, but rest assured there’s more to see in San Marino, such as its Museums of Torture, Dracula, and Curiosities (although I can’t say I’d highly recommend either of them). If you’re looking for the Formula 1 track where the race named after the country was held up until recently, you’ll have to go to Italy though. There is however an Ayrton Senna statue as a tribute one of the world’s best drivers, who tragically died at the 1994 Grand Prix.