San Marino, Republic: attractions, photo

The question of what country the Republic of San Marino is in, for Russians, is often actual, because we know so little about it. The state, despite its tiny size, has a rich history and culture. Today, the Republic of San Marino is the smallest state in the world, but this is by no means the only one, which is why it is worth visiting this country.

Founding of San Marino

The state, which today is called the "Republic of San Marino", was based on long-inhabited territory. Archaeological excavations show that people settled here in the last millennium. But the documented history of the country begins in 298, when, according to the local legend, St. Marin, fleeing from persecution, decided to retire from the world to Mount Titan. The saint went from Dalmatia, where he was persecuted for his religious views. He hired himself to work as a stonemason in the Rimini area, and then he looked after the mountain for seclusion, on which he hollowed out the cave as his cell. The righteous life of Marino began to attract worshipers to him, and around him the congregation gathers, then the monastery is organized, which in the country is considered the starting point of history and the source of the name of the country.

There is documentary evidence that in the 6th century there was an autonomous monastery. For 7 centuries he experienced raids of different tribes: Saracens, Magyars, but retains his independence. This is facilitated by an extremely convenient location for defense, besides the monks constantly worked on the defense capacity of their monastery, they built fortress walls, made ramparts.

Geography

Today, the Republic of San Marino is surrounded by the Italian state. It is located on the southwestern slope of the Monte Titano Mountains. 80% of the country's territory is occupied by mountains. Monte Titano has three peaks, each of which has long been habitable. The foothill plain of the Apennines is suitable for agriculture and has a subtropical, Mediterranean climate. Winter in San Marino is quite cold, especially February, when the temperature reaches zero. Summer is mild, the heat is in August-September. In the mountainous parts it is always cooler than on the plain. The area of the country is about 60 square meters. Km. San Marino is a republic living in rather harsh conditions. Life in a mountainous region is not easy, but it allowed local residents to develop a special character and create a unique culture.

History

Gradually the monastery buys adjoining land from the peasants and expands its possessions. There is an independent state that is constantly under threat of absorption by stronger and larger countries. In the 13th century, San Marino was involved in the confrontation between the Ghibellines and the Guelphs, taking the side of the first, the country evokes the wrath and curse of Pope Innocent Four.

San Marino, a republic that constantly evoked the illusion of its easy capture, for several centuries was subjected to severe pressure and attempts to subjugate by the papal Rome. To withstand such attacks, the country had to show miracles of diplomacy.

In the first half of the 15th century, the republic entered into an alliance with Alphonse Fifth, which allowed it to retain the Fiorentino castle. In 1462, Pope Pius II resorted to the help of San Marino in the war against Malatesta. The successful outcome of such an alliance brought the republic power over the three villages.

In the 16th century, Rome made several attempts to impose taxes on San Marino, even resorting to force, but the republic maintained its independence. In 1543, the papal army, sent to seize the republic, lost its way in the dense forests on Mount Monte Titano, this bloodless victory is still a national holiday in the country.

The 18th and 19th centuries passed in the same persistent struggle against external pressure. But even Napoleon offered San Marino a friendly alliance. The tiny country and the Congress of Vienna did not touch . The territory of the country becomes a hiding place for political immigrants, whose issuance the government did not allow and was assiduously defended against attempts to take them by force. The Republic was able to withstand its sovereignty when trying to include it in its ownership by Pope Pius Ninth and in the unification of Italy in the 1860s. During the world wars, San Marino maintained neutrality, although it was not easy.

In World War II, the country was subjected to mistaken bombing of British aviation in 1944. In July of the same year, German troops were able to occupy the territory of the republic for a short time, the British help that had come to hand helped to drive out the invaders. After that, the country manages to maintain its independence to the present day.

Culture

Residents of the country proudly declare that the Republic of San Marino is the smallest state in the world, and this awareness is the basis of their worldview. It carefully preserves national traditions and identity, although the influence of the surrounding state of Italy is extremely large.

The main value of the people is the family. Weddings, christenings of children are very magnificent here, the statistics of divorces is very low. Residents of a dwarf state understand perfectly how close they are to fighting the aggressive outside world, so the feeling of unity here is very high. Chamberlain country allows national holidays to turn almost into a universal feast, there are covered tables of length in the streets, for which all the residents sit down.

There are a lot of national festivals, which originate in ancient Roman history. The festival of the Middle Ages in July becomes a national celebration: people dress up, dance, go out to the processions, prepare national dishes. To understand the essence of the culture of this state, it is worth remembering in what country the Republic of San Marino - Italy is located. Therefore, the culture is extremely similar to the culture of a powerful neighbor, it is only flavored with notes of great pride for their country.

Republic today

Considering the state structure of the country, one may ask: is San Marino a republic or a monarchy? The answer is amazing: San Marino is the most ancient republic in the world. Even during the breakup of ancient Rome, this territory began to be managed by an elected regent, and so it continues to this day. How did this miniature country manage to preserve its social structure surrounded by such powerful states with monarchical government that tried to seize all the territories around? The riddle. But even today, the country is ruled by two regents elected for six months. Considering the number of inhabitants of the country (32 thousand people), it can be assumed that almost every person has a chance to visit the regent once in a lifetime.

San Marino is a member of the European Union, but has the right to issue a certain number of euro coins with its own symbols. The country's economy is mainly provided by financial sectors: banks, insurance, trade. An important industry is tourism. More than 3 million people come here annually. The country has about 30 settlements, the largest is the city of Serravalle, it has about 10 thousand people. The official language of San Marino is Italian. To visit you need to issue a Schengen visa, your airport is not in the country, the nearest air harbors are in Italy, for example, in Rimini.

sights

Today, the Republic of San Marino, whose attractions are of great interest to tourists, is one of the record-keeping countries in terms of the number of historical and cultural monuments per square meter. The state has managed to preserve several of the most important buildings since the Middle Ages. The tourist route necessarily includes a tour of the fortress on Monte Titano, the state palace, the neoclassical Basilica del Santo, erected in 1838 by the architect Antonio Serra, the streets of the old city. The entire city center and Monte Titano Mountain are protected as UNESCO monuments. For particularly inquisitive travelers in San Marino there are several temples, fortresses and interesting remains of ancient buildings. Of particular interest are the ancient gates of San Francesco of the 14th century, through which foreigners entered the country, the church of Santo Pieve - one of the first monuments of Christianity, the church of San Francesco with the adjoining monastery that were built in the 15th century. The country has historically united 9 administrative units, each of which still has its own medieval castle.

Fortresses

San Marino, a republic that throughout its history fought for independence, has unique defensive structures. Once upon Monte Titano, there were three circles of fortress walls, which began to be built in the 10th century. Today, some of the belts are not preserved, but there are defensive walls around the peaks. Mount Monte Titano has three peaks, on each of them there are defensive towers and fortress walls. Rocca Guaita (the first tower) appeared in the 11th century, the fortress surrounding it consists of two rows of fortress walls, a bell tower, watchtowers.

Today, the fortress can be inspected, and its walls offer magnificent views of the plain. Castello del Cesta - the second tower - built in the 13th century on the highest peak of the mountain. The preservation of the fortress is very good, the spirit of the Middle Ages reigns here, as well as the museum of ancient weapons. The third top is decorated with the fortress of Montale erected in the beginning of the 14th century. You can inspect this landmark only from the outside.

The State Palace

The Republic of San Marino, whose photo is struck by the spirit of antiquity, is proud not only of defensive installations. In the square of freedom stands the magnificent Palazzo Publico, the Government Palace. It was built by the architect Francesco Azzurri at the end of the 19th century in the style of the Gothic Revival. The palace looks very majestic, with beautiful views from its walls. The interiors of the palace are made in medieval style. Despite the fact that today the government is sitting in the palace, it is possible to get here with excursions.

What to do in San Marino

The most popular shopping area in the region is the Republic of San Marino. Italy, more precisely its inhabitants, on weekends like to travel to a tiny state for shopping. This is due to the fact that San Marino has tax incentives and customary goods can cost much less. Therefore, tourists often spend their free time in shops. Here you can buy perfume, excellent leather goods (bags, shoes, clothes) at prices lower than in Italy. There are several large shopping centers that offer substantial discounts on many products. Of special interest is visiting local markets, here you can taste delicious and very fresh local cheeses, eat freshly caught fish, taste wines and sausages and buy edible souvenirs home.

Fans of excursions can go with a guide to several settlements of the country, see other castles, except for metropolitan, to get acquainted with the life of ordinary Sanmarinians. For the most courageous helicopter tours are offered over the country. Also free time can be devoted to walks, intricate streets, mountain peaks, castles are simply ideal for leisurely inspections. In order to climb to the top, you can use the cable car. Also, time should be taken to monitor the changing of the guard at the Government Palace.

San Marino is a country of holidays, there are numerous festivals of art, cooking, ethnic music, crafts. Therefore, there is never a problem what to do.

Museums

For inquisitive tourists, the Republic of San Marino, Italy offers many museums. This is an interesting torture museum, where a collection of torture instruments, wax museums, curiosities, aviation, the Ferrari museum of luxury cars is collected, in which 250 models of this brand of different cars are collected. And the main museum of the country, telling about the history of the state. For lovers of art, the Pinakothek San Francesco offers a good collection of 14th-century paintings and a unique collection of religious subjects of the Order of the Franciscans.

Kitchen

The Republic of San Marino in Italy, like its more famous neighbor, is famous for its cuisine. The cuisine here strongly resembles the Italian, you can try your own pasta options, a cake "a la pizza." Hungry in San Marino can not be left, there are a huge number of restaurants, cafes and points with street food. From the mandatory program can be called a thick bean soup with bacon, a cake "Titano", sweet bread with raisins soaked in aniseed vodka. The country is famous for its unique honey, whose taste is unique, and with local olive oil.

Helpful information

San Marino is a very tiny republic, but transport works great here, although the center is given to pedestrians. The car can be left on numerous multi-level parking lots. In the country everywhere it is accepted to pay by bank cards, although cash is accepted very willingly. To enter the country you need a passport and medical insurance. As souvenirs in San Marino, usually buy leather goods, ceramics, jewelry, forged metal products, olive oil in beautiful bottles, local wine.

San Marino is a very calm, friendly and safe country. There are almost no unpleasant incidents, but caution will not prevent, as cases of pocket thefts and fraud in trade take place.