San Marino: a miniature state with centuries-old traditions. What is the capital in the state of san marino and how many people live in it
The length of San Marino is only 61.5 square meters. kilometer, and the population is about 32 thousand inhabitants.
History of San Marino
According to legend, during the time of the emperor Diocletian (245 - 313), the Christian stonemason Marino, together with his like-minded people, fled from Dalmatian Island Arbe ( modern island Slave in Croatia) from religious persecution in order to establish a Christian community on Mount Titano, built on the principles of peace and joint work. It is possible that there were some settlements in these territories before, but only verified information about the existence here dates back to the Middle Ages. monastery, church and castle. According to legend, the Republic of San Marino was founded in 301. After the death of Marino, the community did not fall apart, and its members decided to live in accordance with the covenant of the founder: "I leave you free from other people." At first it was called "Land of San Marino", later - "Community of San Marino" and finally "Republic of San Marino".
Already in the first half of the 11th century, a small community was governed on the basis of democratic principles, the heads of families were nominated to the Assembly, which was called Arengo. In 1243, the first Captains Regent were appointed, who were re-elected every six months, they were entrusted with the government of the republic for the next six months. The status of "not depending on anyone" was above all for the Sanmarinians, and perhaps this is what helped them maintain their independence and protect themselves from enemies who tested them for strength throughout the Middle Ages.
View of San Marino from a bird's eye view. Photo visitsanmarino.com
In 1463, the territory of San Marino increased slightly: Pius II Picolomini donated Fiorentino, Serravalle and Montegiardino to the Republic - as a token of gratitude for participating in the war against the ruler Sigismund Pandolfo Malatesta. The city of Faetano then joined San Marino and the area has remained unchanged ever since. When, in 1797, Napoleon proposed to the Sanmarinians to expand their territory in return for friendship and gifts, the inhabitants of the republic refused. And in 1861, Abraham Lincoln wrote a letter to the Captains Regents, in which he expressed his sympathy and praised the small state.
The traditions of hospitality have been maintained on this land from century to century; no one has ever been denied shelter and assistance here. Suffice it to recall Giuseppe Garibaldi, who in 1849, escaping from the encirclement of enemy armies, found salvation precisely on Mount Titano. And during the Second World War, the Republic of San Marino opened its doors to more than a hundred thousand refugees.
Location of San Marino within the territory modern Italy. Photo bestourism.com
Modern San Marino is an independent, democratic and neutral republic, recognized by all states and appointing its ambassadors since 1971. Representatives San Marino is a member of the Council of Europe, has its representatives in the European Commission for Security and Cooperation, is a member of the UN.
The euro is used as a coin, which, by the way, is of interest to numismatists: they mint their own version of coins - from one cent to two euros.
Sanmarine 2 euros. Photo albertoglioni.com
Sights of San Marino
On the territory of San Marino there are nine castle towns, nine administrative centers. This is actually the capital of the state of San Marino (Città di San Marino), Acquaviva (Acquaviva), Borgo Maggiore (Borgo Maggiore), Chiesanuova (Chiesanuova), Domagnano (Domagnano), Faetano (Faetano), Fiorentino (Fiorentino), Montegiardino (Montegiardino). ) and Serravalle. These small centers emerged as the first urban settlements of the inhabitants of the republic, and each of them is worth a visit. All castles are interconnected by a convenient network of roads located among picturesque hills. The capital of the republic and Mount Titano are the object world heritage.
Most convenient way to get to San Marino from the nearest airport - order a transfer from the airport to San Marino or rent a car. Such a solution can be very beneficial for a group of tourists of 3-4 people. It is possible to pick up and order a transfer through the convenient Kiwitaxi service: you just need to choose where and where you need to get from. At the specified time, at the specified place, your personal driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name.
Order a transfer.
Aerial walk over San Marino on the funicular. Photo pbase.com
Let's walk along old streets capital, conveniently located on the slopes of Mount Titano. Once it was protected from enemies by three powerful belts of fortress walls. Currently, only small fragments remain of them, against which tourists are happy to take pictures.
Let's go to town square, which is decorated with the statue of Liberty by the sculptor Galetti. Immediately behind the statue is a marble slab indicating the directions of the four cardinal points. Under the square, there are still tanks for collecting rainwater, built at the end of the 15th century and for a long time served to provide water to the people of Sanmarin.
City Square of San Marino, Government Palace and the Statue of Liberty. Photo pbase.com
The Government Palace, built in 1894 in the Neo-Gothic style by the architect Francesco Azzurri on the site of its predecessor, a 16th-century palace, is also worth a visit. And if you go up beautiful stairs on the first floor, you can get into the hall of meetings and audiences and the hall of the Council, in which, in addition to sixty chairs for advisers, there is a magnificent fireplace decorated with the coats of arms of the castles of the republic. Next, we get to the voting hall, from where spiral staircase easy to climb to the roof. Here it is already a stone's throw from the tower, from the height of which opens great view to San Marino.
At the top of Monte Titano rise three fortress-towers: Guaita (Guaita), Chesta (Cesta) and Montale (Montale). The most majestic and oldest of them is the Guaita Tower. Built back in the 11th century, it served as a safe haven for the first inhabitants of San Marino. For a long time, a prison was located in the premises of the fortress. Until now, guns donated by the kings of Italy are kept here, from which blank charges are fired during national holidays.
Guaita tower. Photo ctravelphotography.com
The second tower, Chesta, was built a little later - in the first half of the 13th century, and then repeatedly restored. Since 1956, the premises of the fortress housed a museum of ancient weapons, which contains about 700 exhibits representing the 13th-19th centuries.
The third fortress, Montale, is a tower with a pentagonal base and was originally intended for observation of the enemy. Currently, it can only be viewed from the outside and at the same time admire the surrounding panorama.
Lovers of antiquity can visit the Museum of the Republic, which is located in historical center the city of San Marino and collected archaeological and cultural evidence related to the history and traditions of the republic. The beginning of the museum in the second half of the 19th century was laid by an extensive collection of gifts received by San Marino from all over the world from numerous admirers of the republic.
Another interesting museum of this small country is dedicated to Saint Francis. This museum is also located in the historical center of the capital of the republic, on the territory architectural complex erected in 1361. In the courtyard ancient monastery housed the Museum of Sacred Art and the Pinakothek, which collected works of the five hundred year period - from 1400 to 1900. However, the monastery complex is interesting in itself.
Of interest is the Basilica of San Marino - built in the early 19th century on the site ancient church, decorated with a statue of a saint and other masterpieces of painting and sculpture.
Connoisseurs of contemporary art will be interested to look into the Sanmarine Gallery of Modern Art, which is also located in the historic center of San Marino and includes about 750 works of various genres created from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day.
Traditions of the Middle Ages in the XXI century
Every year in July, the inhabitants of San Marino organize a holiday called "Days of the Middle Ages", which allows guests of the republic to travel back in time, hundreds of years ago. For several evenings, the city turns into one big theater: to the sound of fanfares and drums, about fifty Sanmarinians - musicians, actors, jugglers, acrobats, standard bearers - in traditional old costumes march through the city, showing their skills and involving the audience in the action.
Banner performances, music and dances of the medieval era, crossbow shooting competitions... There is even a Federation of Sanmarine Crossbowmen, created in 1956 specifically to remind ancient tradition whose roots go back to the 14th century.
Almost a "medieval" crossbowman. Photo federazionebalestrieri.sm
Well, restaurants located in the historical center contribute to the gastronomic movement into the past. During this period, dishes prepared according to recipes scrupulously collected from historical evidence that have come down to us, the same dishes that were prepared by the ancestors of modern Sanmarinians, appeared on their menu.
A kitchen that's hard to resist
And if we continue talking about the kitchen, then it is worth noting those traditional dishes and products that Sanmarinians are justifiably proud of.
Fields of grain crops and alfalfa, together with vineyards and olive groves, create a colorful mosaic of the expanses surrounding Monte Titano. The tradition of growing grapes and olives here dates back thousands of years. From time immemorial, the Sanmarinians have been engaged in beekeeping. They know a lot about the production of meat and dairy products.
Traditional products of San Marino. Photo visitsanmarino.com
Among the dishes worth trying while in San Marino: tagliatelle and passatelli (variants of homemade noodles), strozzapreti (dumplings), ravioli, alla brace meat (cooked on hot coals), dishes based on milk and cheeses, delicious bread and local cakes, and of course, olive oil... And all this is accompanied by red wines, Brunieto and Tessano, which mature in huge cherry or oak barrels, or white wines - Biancale and Roncale. For dessert, be sure to ask for the bustrengo (cornmeal cake with raisins and figs), cacciatello (cake based on milk, eggs, lemon and sugar), chambella (pretzel or bagel variant), which goes well with sweet wine Moscato or Passito from muscat grapes .
for all tastes
What tourist trip no shopping? Someone is content with local souvenirs, and someone goes to San Marino purposefully for large acquisitions, also because the prices here, compared to the rest, are relatively lower.
Walking along the ancient streets of San Marino, you can find a lot of shops and shops filled with a wide variety of local products. These are hand-painted ceramics, fine products made of iron, wood, precious stones, exquisite embroideries are real works of art by local craftsmen.
Stocked up on souvenirs? Then you can move on to more serious purchases. Atlante, Azzurro, Electronics, San Marino Factory, Queen Outlet are just some of San Marino's modern shopping centers offering a wide selection of computer, electronic and telephone products, books and music, world-famous brand clothing and leather goods, perfumes and.
Shopping mall electronics. Photo riminibeach.it
Mostly commercial centers are located a few kilometers from the borders of the state and are equipped with convenient parking lots. The easiest way to get to them is from the Adriatic coast, for example, combining with a vacation on.
— dwarf state in the northeast peninsula, located south of the city of Rimini, surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy.
The name comes from the name of the saint, the founder of the state.
Official name: Most Serene Republic of San Marino
Capital:
The area of the land: 61.2 sq. km
Total population: 32.4 thousand people
Administrative division: It is divided into 9 districts.
Form of government: Republic.
Head of State: Two equal captain-regents, elected from among the members of the Grand General Council for a period of 6 months (from April 1 to September 30 and from October 1 to March 31) annually.
Composition of the population: 80% of the population are Sanmarinians, 19% are Italians.
Official language: Italian, as official language Latin is preserved.
Religion: 93% are Catholics.
Internet domain: .sm
Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz
Phone country code: +39
Country barcode: 800-839
Climate
The climate of the country is subtropical Mediterranean: long, rather dry, hot and sunny summers, especially on the plains, and warm, rainy winters, when cyclones often sweep over the territory of San Marino. IN winter period sometimes snow falls, sometimes quite significant, with drifts. average temperature the warmest month - July in the country + 25 ° С, the coldest - January - minus 1–4 ° С. The number of frosty days in the year is 15–20.
in winter Adriatic coast subject to the action of the cold north and northeast wind (“boron”), which causes snowfalls and cloudy weather in winter. Sometimes a northeasterly wind ("Grekale") blows. In summer, breezes blow on the plains, and mountain-valley winds blow in the mountainous part of the republic. The average annual rainfall is 890 mm.
Geography
San Marino is one of the smallest (only the Vatican and Monaco are smaller) and at the same time the oldest of modern states Europe. The country is located in the northeast of the Apennine Peninsula, on the slopes of Monte Titano, and is surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy. The distance between San Marino and Bologna is 135 km, while Ancona is 130 km away. Has no access to the sea. total area 61.2 sq. km.
Flora and fauna
Vegetable world
The vegetation of San Marino has about 4 thousand species. Of the evergreens, cork oak, lemon, cypress, pine, laurel, myrtle, pomegranate and olive, pistachio and magnolia, feral strawberry trees, viburnum laurel, boxwood, needle, southern buckthorn, southern juniper, blue-green agaves, prickly pear grow here. Blackberries and mulberries grow in abundance. Quite a lot of bright colors. from fruit trees highest value have olives, figs and chestnuts.
Animal world
Of the animals in San Marino, rodents (squirrels, dormice, field mice and rats), chamois, roe deer, badger, marten and weasel have been preserved. There are wild boars, hares, rabbits and foxes. Lots of cicadas. Pikes, tenches, chubs, trouts and graylings are found in rivers and streams.
Attractions
San Marino is one of the most visited by tourists European countries- on average, up to 3 million tourists come here a year. The main "highlight" of the country, even despite its tiny size, is the perfectly preserved appearance of the Middle Ages and the abundance of castles. Almost the entire population of the country lives in small castle towns (Aquaviva, Serravalle, Borgo Maggiore, Faetano, Domagnano, Fiorentino, Montegiardino and Ciesanuovo), which have been preserved almost in their original form. Yes and the rest settlements countries are so picturesque that they constantly serve as a kind of scenery for historical films.
Banks and currency
Banks are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 16:30 with a siesta break from 13:30 to 15:00.
Official currency unit San Marino - euro. 1 euro is equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, as well as coins of 1 and 2 euros and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, post offices and airports (less than favorable exchange rate). When exchanging money, a commission is charged. In San Marino, credit cards and travelers checks are widely used. Traveler's checks are best purchased in euros.
Useful information for tourists
A tip (15% of the order amount) is added to the bill, sometimes the menu indicates that the service charge is included in the prices.
Useful data for tourists about San Marino, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of San Marino, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions San Marino.
Geography of San Marino
The Republic of San Marino is one of the smallest states on Earth, located in Southern Europe, surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy.
The relief of the country is low-mountainous. The highest point is Mount Titano (755 m). The territory of the country is characterized by terraces and small ravines with steep overhanging edges.
State
State structure
San Marino is an independent country with a republican form of government. The heads of state are two captain-regents appointed by the Grand General Council. Captain regents serve as head of state and exercise executive power. The Grand General Council performs the functions of the country's parliament.
Language
Official language: Italian
The population speaks a Romance dialect Italian.
Religion
93% of the population belong to the Roman Catholic Church.
Currency
International name: EUR
1 euro is equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, as well as coins of 1 and 2 euros and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, post offices and airports. When exchanging money, a commission is charged. In San Marino, credit cards and traveler's checks are widely used.
Popular Attractions
San Marino Tourism
Office Hours
Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 13.30 and from 15.00 to 16.00. Exchange offices most often they work from 9.00 to 13.00 and from 14.00 to 16.00-17.00.
In the period from 14.00 to 15.30-16.00 almost all shops are closed for a siesta. And in the first half of August, when the hottest days come, many work on a shortened schedule.
Purchases
Value Added Tax (IVA) ranges from 9-13% (in hotels and services, usually added as a separate item to the bill, but often not allocated) to 12-19% on clothing and luxury goods (usually already included in the price of goods ). VAT refunds are available for purchases in a single store for an amount exceeding 155 euros (meaning the amount before tax, while the issued receipts indicate the amount with tax). When buying, you must present your passport and paint the purchase for individual items on the receipt, indicating the price and amount of tax. Receipts are attached to the goods at customs upon exit, after which the stamped receipts must be mailed to the store to receive a receipt for the amount of tax. A number of stores participate in the tax-free sales system ("tax-free"). In such stores, you need to get a special check, which can be cashed in a separate office at the airport or at another border crossing point.
Safety
On the streets there are pickpockets coming here from neighboring Italy and petty thieves. It is better not to show large sums of money, jewelry and valuables in public places.
Emergency Phones
Ambulance - 113.
Fire department - 116.
Police - 112.
The oldest state in Europe, San Marino, located on the slopes of Monte Titano, is truly the pearl of the Apennine Peninsula. Founded in the XIV century, it, one way or another, managed to preserve its best traditions and customs, as well as the state system.
San Marino today is enough modern country, which keeps the memories of the numerous battles for independence in which it was involved indigenous people.
The inhabitants of this wonderful country mostly descended from Italians, but they are strikingly different from their neighbors.
Even the most absent-minded tourist, once in San Marino, will note the rather calm disposition of the San Marino residents, their goodwill and willingness to help. Most of all, residents value and revere centuries of history and customs of their homeland.
The traditional costume of the representatives of this country practically does not differ from the folk clothes of the Italians. Previously, men wore light-colored linen shirts and cropped trousers, while women preferred to dress up in long skirts, tunics, while choosing darker tones.
As in most small towns scattered across northern Italy, life in San Marino goes on as usual.
The population of the country, which, according to the latest estimates, is only about 32 thousand people, is quite secure. And the numbers confirm this. GDP per capita amounted to more than $62,000 per year.
The peace of the miniature state is guarded by its own armed forces, which include about 50 people. However, the residents themselves note that they can defend their homeland at any time.
The Republic of San Marino also boasts its own prison, which contains only one prisoner.
He is provided with truly royal living conditions: lunches and breakfasts from the nearest restaurants of the city, as well as the presence of a TV room and a library.
Attractions
Speaking about the sights of this miniature country, it is worth noting that nine castle towns are located on its territory, which, in combination, are administrative centers: San Marino, Borgo Maggiore, Chienazuova, Domagnano, Acquaviva, Fatano, Fiorentino, Montegiardino and Serravalle.
It will not be difficult for you to get from one castle to another: they are all connected by a network of roads scattered between high mountains and rolling hills.
Not a single tourist who has visited San Marino will be able to leave empty-handed. He will definitely buy ceramics, traditional for the commune, or world-famous stamps and coins with state minting. Local wines and liqueurs are especially popular here, just like in Italy.
Today, one of the smallest countries in the world attracts more and more tourists. San Marino can rightly be considered a state of magnificent castles and buildings, which, despite their age, have retained their original form.
Obviously, San Marino should be included in your travel plan, because there is hardly a tourist who refuses a delightful walk through the ancient city-state, which will retain the memories of bygone times for a long time to come.
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