San Marino is the only surviving Italian city-state. Like Andorra, Liechtenstein and Monaco, it is an anachronism, a reminder of the times when Europe – particularly Germany, Italy and the Pyrenees – was made up of tiny political units, often extending no further than a cannon could fire from a city’s walls.

Of all the small European countries, San Marino’s survival is the most surprising. Apart from the Vatican City (whose development followed a different course), it is the only one that is completely surrounded by one other country. Various treaties of friendship have been signed with Italy since the latter’s unification, but San Marino proudly asserts its independence where possible. It has been a full member of the Council of Europe since 1988, and chaired the organisation during the first half of 1990.

In whatever part of the territory you go (61 sq km), in particular at the peak of its mountain (750m high), your gaze is lost over a unique, dazzling panorama: the fertile soils of Emilia Romagna and the soft rolling hills of the Marche and Montefeltro, and on to the placid Adriatic sea. The Sammarinese territory is made up of nine ancient Citadels, including the capital, San Marino. These small centres arose as a result of the first human settlements; each offers something to be discovered and visited.
The Fortresses are interconnected by a convenient urban network of rare beauty.

The origins of San Marino are founded on the charming legend of the Saint, founder of the community and of the Republic, when, in 301 A.D., Marino took refuge on Mt Titano. The small capital holds a wealth of history, museums, and priceless architectural monuments. The annual destination of millions of tourists, it is a place of continuous discovery; a wealth of assorted crafts and souvenirs provide a vast, pleasant shopping experience.