 | McLae´s guide to San Marino |  |
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San Marino Internet country code: .sm International telephone prefix: +378  The Most Serene Republic of San Marino or "San Marino" is one of the smallest nations in the world. Located in southern Europe, it is an enclave of Italy, and is one of the European microstates. San Marino is often claimed to be the oldest republic in the world. It was founded in A.D. 301 by Marinus from Rab, a Christian stonemason fleeing the religious persecution of Roman Emperor Diocletian. San Marino is made up of a few towns dotted around the mountain sides. The capital of San Marino is itself called 'San Marino' and is situated high up on a mountain top. The capital is surrounded by a wall and three distinct towers overlook the rest of the country. The towns surrounding the capital are more industrial and generally not as attractive as the main city. What to See: You can see two of the three towers (as seen on the flag of San Marino) by purchasing the "Red Card" for 4.50 Euro. The "yellow card" (3 Euro) only allows you to see one of the towers. You cannot enter the third tower (since there does not seem to be an entrance!) Simply walk around the city. The narrow streets are full of surprises. The walkways wind up and down the hillside in an interesting way, inviting exploration. Geography: San Marino is an enclave in Italy, on the border between the regioni of Emilia-Romagna and Marche. Its topography is dominated by the Apennines mountain range, and it has a rugged terrain. The highest point in the country, Monte Titano, is situated at 749 metres (2,457 ft) above sea level. There are no bodies of water of any significant size. The climate is Mediterranean, with warm summers and mild winters. San Marino is the third-smallest country in Europe, with only Vatican City and Monaco being smaller. History: According to legend, Marino left the island of Rab with his lifelong friend Bibo and went to the town of Baha, where he became a President to the bishop Gaudientium. After persecution because of his Christian sermons, he fled to the hill known as San Francisco, where he built a small church and thus founded what is now the city and the state of San Marino. The official date of foundation of the Republic is 3 September AD 301. During the early phase of the Italian unification process of the 19th century, San Marino served as a haven of refuge for numerous persons who were persecuted because of their support for Italian unity. In memory of this support, the leader of the newly unified Italy, Garibaldi, accepted the wish of San Marino not to be incorporated into the new Italian state. San Marino is thought by many to be Europe's oldest existing republic. The head of state is a committee (council) of two captain |
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