A Visit to the Microstate of San Marino

The Republic of San Marino is surrounded on all sides by Italy and is situated almost entirely on Monte Titano. The third smallest country in Europe by territory (only 61 km²), yet the oldest, having been founded in the year 301. It was founded by a stonemason and Christian who hid on the mountain to escape the persecutors of Christianity. The republic is named after him (see the image of the statue of Saint Marinus below).

Like every microstate, San Marino is a tax-free zone whose main source of income is tourism. Walking around the shops, one could see that prices are very reasonable for many goods - beverages, food, souvenirs, leather goods, watches, and jewellery. Among the vendors many are newcomers. Almost every one of them speaks Russian, and in the wine shop particularly popular with tourist groups, the talkative vendor served customers even in Latvian, despite not being from our side at all. Here one could purchase Joli wine, produced right in the republic, as well as wine bottles bearing the likenesses of former political leaders (8 EUR a bottle) - Hitler, Stalin, Che Guevara, and others.

Conspicuous were the many weapons shops, where one could buy everything from cold steel - various knives and daggers - to pistols and automatic weapons. The republic prides itself on its crossbow shooting competitions, which take place on the mountain each year.

All the narrow alleyways wind up and down the mountain like a serpentine. The city seems to consist of floors, of layers, but from the top a fantastic view opens over the city lying in the haze at the foot of the mountain, and in the distance one can seemingly even make out the glimmering shore of the Adriatic Sea.

At the top of the mountain we stopped at a pleasant outdoor café (located at Via Salita alla Rocca 47), which offered a splendid panoramic view over the city below. Main courses from 5 to 7 EUR. We tried the pasta-like Tartellini and Spaghetti di Mare; for dessert - Mascarpone and Tiramisu. Delicious!

We stepped into the Basilica di San Marino - a very bright and pleasant church. In place of the altar stands a statue of Saint Marinus, while beneath the altar the mortal remains of the saint are interred. That afternoon there was not a single other person inside. We were able to quietly say a prayer and light candles.

A day spent in San Marino left pleasant memories and the wish to return here again someday. One must simply bear in mind that a visit here is a great test of women's willpower, which is directly inversely proportional to the contents of their purse. There is much one wishes to buy, as the things are beautiful, the service is courteous, and the prices are reasonable.