San Marino claims to be the world’s oldest republic and is the thirdsmallest state in Europe, after the Vatican and Monaco. Said to have beenfounded around 300AD by a monk fleeing the persecutions of Diocletian, it hasits own mint, produces its own postage stamps and has an army of 1000 men. Asfar as foreign policy and most other things go, it is effectively part ofItaly. The Republic sits on a rock, Mount Titano, 700 metres above sea leveland consequently has fantastic views across to the Riviera Romagnola, 15 KMaway. There are ramparts and medieval buildings and narrow traffic freestreets, which are a pleasure to stroll through, not to mention a wealth ofshopping opportunities.
