San Marino is a small independent country in Italy, founded in 301 AD. It has a population of around 30,000 people and is known for its Three Towers and wineries. It is a member of the United Nations and uses the euro as its official currency. Tourism makes up more than half of its economy.
San Marino is a small enclave of Italy. The country covers 23.5 square miles (61 square km), making it less than half the size of Washington, DC and the fifth smallest nation in the world. San Marino has a population of approximately 30,000 people.
While San Marino appears to be something of an oddity in modern Europe, it’s more of a historical remnant from a past where Europe consisted mostly of small city-states united in loose federations. Like some of Europe’s other micronations, such as Lichtenstein, Luxembourg or Monaco, San Marino offers a glimpse into Europe’s not-so-distant past.
Tradition has it that San Marino was founded in 301 AD by a Christian named Marinus the Dalmatian. He formed a small community on one of the mountains there, which practiced Christianity and peaceful values. The land was given to the community by the owner, granting them autonomy. The community eventually formed a functional government, made up of heads of households.
By the end of the 13th century San Marino had been recognized as completely independent from the Holy See, and had been forced to defend itself against would-be invaders. The Three Towers of San Marino were built to defend themselves against aggression over the course of a few centuries. The first tower, the Guaita, was built in the 11th century; the second tower, the Cesta, was built in the XIII century; and the third tower, the Montale, was built in the 14th century.
Throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, San Marino was attacked by neighboring municipalities and feudal lords. However, he managed to remain independent, fighting among others Urbino and Montefeltro. During the fifteenth century, San Marino also expanded its territory through papal treaties and concessions. At the beginning of the 16th century San Marino was briefly occupied by Cesare Borgia, but was liberated after his death. At the dawn of the 17th century, San Marino adopted a constitution and in the following years entered into a series of pacts with the Catholic Church to provide for its defence.
San Marino managed to maintain its independence through the Napoleonic era, and through the era of the Kingdom of Naples. In the mid-19th century, San Marino offered a safe haven for many important figures in the Italian unification movement, and when Italy was finally unified, San Marino’s desire for independence was respected. Independence was recognized by the new kingdom of Italy in the 19th.
San Marino is a member of the United Nations, but not a member of the European Union. However, with a special arrangement, San Marino uses the euro as its official currency, making it much easier for outside visitors.
Tourism makes up more than half of San Marino’s economy and the country has built an infrastructure to support it, so good hotels and transport are available throughout the country. The San Marino leg of the Grand Prix is one of the most popular events taking place in the country, for those interested in motor racing. San Marino’s Three Towers are also a popular tourist attraction, as are the surprisingly numerous wineries that dot the countryside.
Overland travel is the only way to reach San Marino, with the closest airport in Italy not far from the city of Rimini.
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