Independent Republic of San Marino

San Marino is one of the smallest states on Earth (after Monaco and Vatican City) and the oldest state in Europe, surrounded on all sides by Italian territory. In the north-east, the country borders the Emilia-Romagna region, in the south-west - with the Marche region. There are nine castle towns and nine administrative centers in San Marino. It is the capital city of San Marino, Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano, Fiorentino, Montegiardino and Serravalle. These small centers emerged as the republic’s first urban settlements, and each is worth a visit. All the castles are connected by a convenient network of roads located among the picturesque hills. The length of San Marino is only 61.5 square kilometers, and the population is about 32 thousand inhabitants. The territory of San Marino is predominantly hilly, and the highest point is Monte Titano of limestone origin, rising 750 m above sea level and located east of the capital. The mountain itself has three peaks, on each of which the medieval tower-fortress is a kind of symbol of the country. From the mountain there is a stunning view, from here to the Adriatic is close - the sea stretches only 13 km from the foot of the mountain. Climbing to the top of San Marino, you will definitely want to try dishes among which I recommend: talliatelle and passatelli (home noodles options), strozzapreti (dumpers), ravioli, meat “alla brace” (cooked on burning 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 ripen in huge cherry or oak barrels, or white wines - Biancale and Roncale. For sweet, be sure to ask for a bustrengo (corn flour cake with raisins and figs), cachatello (a cake based on milk, eggs, lemon and sugar), chambella (a variant of pretzel or bagel), with which sweet wine Moscato or Passito from muscat grapes is perfectly combined.

Every year, a million tourists from different countries come to the oldest state in Europe, truly is the pearl of the Apennine Peninsula, somehow managed to preserve its best traditions and customs, as well as the state system.