San Marino






San Marino is one of the oldest republics in the world. It is perched on a hilltop, Monte Titano 2200 feet above sea level. The drive from Verona to San Marino was beautiful with cherry tree farms everywhere. There were pink and white cherry trees in rows in every direction. Once entering the Republic of San Marino it is a twisty road up to the old city. 

This is the government building located in a beautiful piazza overlooking the cascading Tuscan mountains in the distance. We had lunch and wine at Trattoria Righi in the piazza while soaking up the sun.  




We happened to be here on a day that the government officials meet. Their leaders are two captains regent that are heads of state and government. San Marinos' government is modeled after the Roman Republic of Ancient Rome. Interesting fact, San Marino has had more female heads of state than any other country. 

These are two of the honorary guards. You have to be voted in to be a guard and then hold the position until the age of 65. 




There are three Medieval guard towers that are still accessible to visit today. I am standing in one looking out towards the other, the views are spectacular.  You can see Rimini on the Adriatic Sea and as far as Croatia on a clear day. The towers are also dog friendly, except inside the weaponry museum. They are allowed in, but have to be carried. 






The walk along the fortress wall, again with beautiful views in every direction with  sheer cliff drop offs. 




If you visit the tourist office you can obtain a San Marino visa. It is very hard to become a San Marinese citizen if you are not born here. Abraham Lincoln was made one of the few honorary citizens.





We stayed at Fabrizio's Bed and Breakfast in the old town, called B&B Basimelli 12. There are two rooms and the house has had been completely renovated. It has been his family's house for several generations. We felt so welcome and really enjoyed his warm hospitality. He loved Bogi too! 


We loved our two nights in intriguing San Marino, it is a wonderful place to visit and learn about the 5th smallest country in the world. 


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