Inhabitants: 35,000 l Territory: 56.20 km l Tourist destination
The Republic of San Marino, funded in 301 AD, as tradition goes, holds the memories of more than 1700 years of history. The Republic's territory is rather small and mostly hilly, not very rich in natural resources, and the quantity of its inhabitants is very limited. The Republic is ruled according to its own laws set by its own institutions, which legislate and supervise democratic life in all its aspects, from interactions in daily town life to participation in international dynamics. In these times of great changes and overwhelming uncertainties, what is more peculiar than a small nation that keeps itself alive, healthy and free from the arrogance of the strong and the violation of rights? From the height of the three towers or from the square in front of the Public House, enchanted by the gently sloping Montefeltro hills and by the greenish hues of the Adriatic Sea, you can perceive each of the 1700 years of history of this community which feels strong within its narrow borders despite its few people. It feels strong as it stands bearing a message that can raise hope in those who need certainties and faith: strength and power are not necessarily supremacy; war is not unavoidable and peace is always at close reach; harmony between few or lots of people is based on good laws and on their utmost respect...
From the walls of the Republic of San Marino, from the institutional palaces, from the gendarmes' rhythmical stride during the parades, from the ancient traditions reenacted according to the same rituals and the same official character they once had, from the crossbowmen to the flag wavers who still use their tools with the mastery they inherited from their predecessors, the message of peace flows, ever-present: you only need to pay attention to it. Surely there are plenty of reasons to visit the Republic of San Marino. Millions of people visit it year after year, so that one of the smallest and most famous countries in the world, the oldest Republic in Europe, has become the nation that hosts the highest number of visitors per year as compared to its inhabitants.
Millions of visitors come here every year following the advice of friends and acquaintances who went home enthusiastic about their visit, because San Marino is full of nice shops located in charming ancient buildings selling at very good prices; because its narrow streets and its three high towers are unique; because the view you can enjoy from this natural terrace on Italy is gorgeous; because you can cross the borders - that are marked only for tourist purposes - without having to show any document or visa and without being stopped by custom officers, the dream of every traveler when going abroad.
This "foreign country" is very convenient and easy for Italian people, as they can use their own currency and their same language when going "abroad" within their national borders. You can feel a widespread welcoming attitude and a hospitable heartfelt warmth. These are only a few of the reasons that lead many people to visit San Marino, the obvious, evident ones, those recurring in friends' travel tales and illustrated by travel magazines and tourist brochures. What about the other ones? They are not so renowned, actually they are quite hidden, and you may have to set out and discover them...
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