San Marino is entirely land locked surrounded by the Italian borders. It is only 10 km from the Adriatic sea – the country is so small that it does not have its own International airport, but Rimini about 30 minutes away has both an airport and a train station. There are no border formalities – if you want a tourist visa placed in your passport, simply stop by the Tourist Information Office (small fee applies).
The country is divided into what are called “castelli” – or 9 small towns. However a visit begins and ends with the capital “castelli” San Marino. This city contains a variety of eclectic museums such as one devoted to torture, another one to vampires and yet another called the “curiosity” museum! The Ferrari Museum contains 25 Ferrari automobiles. There are many shops, restaurants and places to stay in the capital city. Gun enthusiasts take note: it is interesting to see the quite large number of gun shops here.
A visit to San Marino must include hiking through the old town of San Marino – (where a number of the museums mentioned above are located). Old town is situated on top of Mount Titano which rises to 750 meters above sea level. Visits are called for to the ancient “towers” (great views from on top) and a stop at one of the cafe’s located here – for a relaxing lunch.
Like a number of other small countries in Europe, San Marino is a wealthy nation. It is also remarkable to note that that they are the oldest sovereign nation in the world – having been founded in the year 301! The government also made US President Abraham Lincoln an honorary citizen…and while not a member of the European Union, the official currency is nonetheless the Euro.
For more information visit: www.visitsanmarino.com
Great infor about San Marino! I’d love to visit it in the future!