lt might be geographically part of ltaly, but the Most Serene Republic of San Marino is miraculously the world’s oldest surviving republic. lf you’re into the experience of extreme kitsch, this is the place for you-it’s packed to the gills with ‘genuine reproductions’ of medieval relics. A dozen or so kilometers inland from Rimini, it’s not much bigger than two or three suburbs strung together but has its own distinctive flavour and identity, boasting three grand fortresses and some of the most stunning views of the Adriatic.
July to September for the best weather
Paying a visit to the Basilica del Santo-the heart and spirit of both the city and the republic Taking a panoramic stroll to the Cesta, the highest of the fortresses Roming unhindered around La Rocca, the First Tower Descending into the deep dungeon in the tower fortress Montale Wandering around the richly, carved stone Palazzo Publico Marvelling at the views from the Piazza della Liberta Walking in the relative calm and quiet of the Appennines
Read Secrets of the Seven Smallest of Europe: Andorra, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City by Thomas Ecchardt
Listen to Live in San Marino, by Lino Patruno-His Jazz Star ofltaly-an excellent album of popular jazz standarded live in the republic
Watch Darryl Zanuck’s The Prince of Foxes, filmed in San Marino (he ‘rented out’ the entire republic!)
Drink frothy cappuccinos or grappa (spirits distilled from grape residue)
Buongiorno (literally ‘good day’)
Stamp and coin collecting; stupendous fortresses; rampant postcard production; the smell of frankincense and myrrh on holy days; Mount Titano; bell towers; amazing architecture design; jam-packed streets full of tourists
The Museo di Auto d’Epoca-a museum of cars, both old and new; Chiesa di San Francesco- the oldest building in the republic
lf you’re looking for something a little extra while you’re there, you might want to coincide your visit with the ‘Medieval Days with Antique Crossbow Competition,’ because, really, what’s a castle three fortresses without a crossbow or two. Failing that you could wait till 3 September when the Sammarinese brush off the crossbows again to celebrate National lndependence Day.