Postcard from San Marino

San Marino is considered the oldest republic in the world. It took its name from Saint Marinus, who founded a Christian community on the top of Monte Titano in 301. It is so tiny that it can be considered not so much a country, but an independent urban complex on the territory of a foreign country - in this case, Italy.

The capital of the mini-state of San Marino has the same name. It is an enclave with an unusual number of monuments for such a territorially limited area. The city owes the term "open-air museum" to their richness. The most famous ones include the castle, three towers with the majestic La Cesta standing on the top of Monte Titano, the Basilica of San Marino and Palazzo del Governo - the government palace.

Open-air museum

It is worth taking a walk to the most beautiful square in the city, Piazza della Liberta . It offers a wonderful panorama of the mountains and the Marecchia river valley. Under its surface there is a system of medieval rainwater cisterns. The square is surrounded by 16th-century defensive walls like a chain, and its main decoration is the Statue della Liberta made in the 19th century. Palazzo Pubblico, a neo-Gothic town hall building, stands next to the square.

In addition to monuments, San Marino also has many museums, including the Arms Museum, located in the city's oldest and largest fortress, La Rocca o Guaita . Fans of drastic exhibits will definitely not miss the opportunity to visit the Torture Museum, and those with weaker nerves can go to the Wax Museum or the Philatelic Museum.

What is San Marino famous for?

Nowadays, few people do not know that San Marino is one of the European capitals of Formula 1 . Panstewko is also famous for its liqueurs, the taste of which is enjoyed by thousands of people around the world. The situation is similar with wines produced in nearby vineyards - "mistra" and "moscato" wines are particularly popular. Leather and goldsmith products, cigarettes, playing cards and ceramics can also be a souvenir of your visit to the city-museum.

San Marino is known for its colorful postage stamps, which are desired by philatelists. Both San Marino stamps and coins can be purchased at the State Philatelic and Numismatic Office.

Panstewko is also famous for the large number of festivals organized. Its flagship event is the annual Medieval Days . In 2015, they will be held on July 23-26. During the festival, you can listen to medieval music concerts, watch performances, acrobatic shows and tournaments - including the famous crossbow tournament.

Campsite in San Marino

You can easily visit San Marino in one day, but does that mean you have to leave this tiny country in the evening? Not at all. Tourists tired of seeing the attractions are welcome to the large Centro Vacanze San Marino campsite. It is actually a camping village, offering places for tents, pitches for trailers and campers, as well as accommodation in cottages and hotel rooms. The facility is open year-round, beautifully situated among greenery, on a picturesque hill overlooking the Riviera River. There is a bus stop right next to it, from which you can get to the historic city center.

Campsite guests have a swimming pool, pizzeria, restaurant and supermarket at their disposal. There is also a skate park, a playground for children (in the season there is a club with animators) and several fields where you can play football, volleyball and tennis. You can come here with your dog.

Regardless of whether someone decides to visit San Marino driven by the desire to buy branded perfumes, Limoncello liqueur or high-proof Grappa, or perhaps by love of monuments, they will be very satisfied with their visit to the third smallest country in the world.