San Marino is world’s one of the oldest republics and also the third-smallest country in Europe. It has an area of just 61.2 square kilometers.
The country’s history dates back to the early 4th century CE, when a group of Christians and St. Marinus fled to escape persecution.
There are many splendid destinations to visit in Europe. But the Republic of San Marino is a different kind of destination. If you think you understand Italy, you’re in for a surprise.
With its unique medieval walled city, it’s easy to see why very little is known about the country—and why it’s often overlooked.
The country is dominated by tourism because of its beautiful landscapes.
You will find stone walls and three fortresses at the top of Mount Titano, which is just fascinating to see. Visit Rocca Guaita, Monte Titano and the neo-Gothic style Government House, Palazzo Pubblico, and Piazza Della Liberta.
The Museo di Stato (National Museum) is also an excellent place to visit in San Marino. It houses impressive archaeological collections from the Neolithic Age and the Etruscan and Roman periods.
Also, visit the Wax Museum to check out the 100 wax figures of historical characters such as Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Jacqueline Kennedy with Pope John XXII, and Giuseppe Garibaldi.
You can also see wax figures of other famous people such as Galileo, Da Vinci, and President Abraham Lincoln.
Geography
The country has an irregular rectangular shape. It is because Italy surrounds the country on all sides.
Its landscapes are dominated by the colossal limestone mass of Mount Titano (2,424 feet), from which hills spread out to the southwest. The mountain and the historic center of San Marino were also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The country produces wheat, barley, and grapes, and about three-fourths of its lands are granted permanent cultivation.
Climate
San Marino has a mild and temperate climate. The country’s maximum temperature is about 26 degrees Celsius, whereas the lowest is about -7 degrees Celsius.
The country has an average rainfall of about 560 mm and 800 mm only.
Nature and Wildlife
The country’s vegetation is of the Mediterranean zone and has variations due to elevation. You can find olive, oak, pine, ash, fir, elm, and poplar. The country also has a variety of flowers.
In terms of animals, there are only hedgehogs, foxes, weasels, martens, and badgers. Otherwise, there are only domestic and farmyard animals.
You will also find numerous indigenous birds in San Marino.
People
The people of San Marino are known as Sammarinese. Sammarinese account for more than four-fifths of the population. The others are Italians.
These people are mostly Roman Catholics, and their official language is Italian.
