This ancient European country perched on a fearsome natural rocky defence has barely changed since it was founded by settlers fleeing the Roman Empire.
San Marino is a republic entirely surrounded by modern-day Italy and is the fifth-smallest country in the world, measuring just 23 miles square – 26 times smaller than the area of Greater London.
But what San Marino lacks in size it makes up for in history and elevation with the fortress of Guaita sitting nearly 2,500 feet above sea level at the summit of the highest peak in the territory, Monte Titano.
The country was founded by Dalmatian people who fled the Roman Empire attempting to escape religious persecution by the Emperor Diocletian.
From the 1200s to the present day, the country has been ruled by two ‘Regent’s Captains’, who now form part of the government alongside a parliamentary democracy.
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San Marino provides a host of attractions for visitors who can get there by flying from the UK to the nearby Italian beach resort city of Rimini, just 20 miles to the east.
The historic Old Town has enchanted tourists for centuries and among some recent reviews on travel site Tripadvisor one person wrote: “Nestled high up on Mount Titano, the historic centre has been able to preserve its character with structures dating back to the 14th century, or even older.
“These include structures and buildings such as fortification towers, bastions, gates, defensive walls, convents, and public plazas.
“Some of the best things to see are the endless cobbled and stone paths, San Marino Basilica, Guaita Tower and the Palazzo Pubblico. The views from almost anywhere in the centre are stunning. An excellent day trip from Rimini.”
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Another added: “The historic buildings, the stone, the statues, the views of the hilly Italian countryside… you are literally in a fairytale. A real, literal fairytale.”
A guided tour of San Marino for up to five people starts at around 50 euros for the group, with larger groups of 6 to 25 costing 80 euros.
Despite being an independent nation there is no San Marinese language, however the country does have its own international football team.
In November 1993 the San Marino minnows made World Cup Qualifying Round history when they scored the second-fastest goal in the competition ever, in their match against England just 8.3 seconds after kick-off.
England would eventually go on to win 7-1 but the goal scored by the San Marino player Davide Gualtieri made him a local legend. Graham Taylor resigned as England manager later that month after his team failed to qualify for the World Cup.
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