In whatever part of this 61-sq km (24-sq mile) territory you go, in particular at the peak of its mountain (750m/2,461ft high), your gaze is lost over a unique, dazzling panorama: the fertile soils of Emilia Romagna and the soft rolling hills of The Marche and Montefeltro, and on to the placid Adriatic sea.
The Sammarinese territory is made up of nine ancient citadels, including the capital, San Marino.These small centers arose as a result of the first human settlements; each offers something to be discovered and visited.
The fortresses are interconnected by a convenient urban network of rare beauty.

The small capital holds a wealth of history, museums, and priceless architectural monuments, while a wealth of assorted crafts and souvenirs provide a vast, pleasant shopping experience.

The origins of San Marino are founded on the charming legend of the saint, founder of the community and of the republic, when, in 301 AD, Marino took refuge on Mt Titano.

San Marino is the only surviving Italian city-state. Like Andorra, Liechtenstein and Monaco, it is an anachronism, a reminder of the times when Europe was made up of tiny political units, often extending no further than a cannon could fire from a city’s walls.

Of all the small European countries, San Marino’s survival is the most surprising. Apart from the Vatican City (whose development followed a different course), it is the only one that is completely surrounded by one other country.
Various treaties of friendship have been signed with Italy since the latter’s unification, but San Marino proudly asserts its independence where possible.

Food and Drink

Italian cuisine is widely available. There is a wide selection of restaurants, both in the capital and in the outlying villages. Table service is customary, although a few restaurants are self-service.

Tipping: A 10% tip is usual.

Nightlife

Revues, festivals and theatrical productions are popular.

Shopping

Special purchases include locally-made ceramics; stamps and coins bought from the State Philatelic & Numismatic Office, local wines and liqueurs, local jewellery, playing cards and cigarettes.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 08.30-13.00 and 15.30-19.30.

Climate

Temperate: Moderate snow in winter, some brief showers in summer. The atmosphere is clean, typical of low mountain and hill country with sea breezes.

Required Clothing

Light- to mediumweights and rainwear are required.

Getting There by Air

The Italian national airline is Alitalia (AZ) (website: www.alitalia.it).

Main Airports

Bologna (BLQ) is 125km (78 miles) from San Marino and Rimini (RMI) is 27km (17 miles) from San Marino.
To/from the airports: Good bus services are available to San Marino.

Getting There by Rail

The nearest station is at Rimini. A funicular serves the capital and Borgo Maggiore. There are no internal railways.

Getting There by Road

Major cities in Italy are within easy reach by car. Rimini is only 24km (15 miles) away and connects to San Marino via the San Marino highway. From San Marino to Urbino is 55km (34 miles), to Ravenna is 70km (44 miles), to Forlì is 74km (46 miles), to Ancona is 130km (81 miles), to Bologna is 135km (84 miles), to Florence is 185km (116 miles), to Milan is 330km (206 miles) and to Rome is 350km (219 miles).

Currency

The Euro is the official currency. For further information, see the Italy section.

Currency Exchange

Many banks offer differing exchange rates depending on the denominations of currency being bought or sold.
Check with the banks for details and current rates.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 08.30-13.30 and 15.00-16.30

Travellers will necessarily enter San Marino from Italy. As there are no frontier formalities imposed, any person visiting San Marino must comply with Italian passport/visa regulations.