San Marino, Sovereign microstate in Europe, Italy.
San Marino is a microstate in southern Europe, completely surrounded by Italy and spread across hilly terrain over 61 square kilometers. The nine municipalities sit at different elevations, connected by steep roads and old stone city walls that follow the mountain slopes.
The foundation dates back to 301, when Marinus fled religious persecution and settled on Monte Titano. During the Napoleonic era and Italian unification in the 19th century, the territory preserved its independence through treaties with surrounding powers.
The name comes from Saint Marinus, a stonemason from Dalmatia who founded a Christian community on Monte Titano in the fourth century. Local customs appear in traditional festivals and in the use of two official languages, Italian and Romagnol, still spoken by older residents.
Public buses from Rimini and Pesaro stop below the historic center, from where footpaths lead to the upper town areas. Information points can be found near the main towers, where opening hours may vary by season.
Three medieval towers stand on the highest peaks of Monte Titano, with Rocca Guaita from the 11th century serving as the oldest fortress and formerly used as a prison. The smallest fortress, Rocca Montale, was never inhabited and served solely as a watchtower overlooking the surrounding valley.
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