Some would say that size does matter, other would reply that
it doesn't. As for me, I do believe that
when we are talking about cities and, in this case,
countries, size doesn't matter at all.
Instead, a small country can be visited effortlessly in a
short time, particularly if we are talking about those countries that have the
same size of a city.
Today, we are going to the Republic of San Marino and considered its small areal extension
(about 61 km2) with a population of 33000 inhabitants,
you might wonder how can this be an independent state. For this, we need to recall the history of the
country, which had its independence in 301 AD.
The story goes like this, a stone cutter (San Marino) escaped
the persecutions against the Christians
and founded a small community in the Mount Titano, the highest of the seven
hills of the Roman Republic. The community was established in the territories
owned by a rich woman from Rimini, who gifted the place to the community and
was called in honor of the founder "Land of San Marino."
According to a legend, before dying San Marino pronounced
his last words: "Relinquo vos
liberos ab utroque homine" or "I set you free from both
the men," meaning both the Pope and the Emperor.
Those words became the foundation of the independence of the
Republic.
Now, let's talk about the city and the feelings I had as I
was visiting it.
That day was perhaps the best day for a visit and a thick
fog embedded the whole hilltop; I know what you are thinking, and no, I haven't
gone crazy. The fact is that nothing makes a place more suggestive than fog,
and considering that the main attraction is the fortress, you can agree with me
that a castle on the top of the hill when the weather is foggy, is the best to
hope for.
The city instead didn't look great with the fog...
Nevertheless, the view
of the valley with or without the fog was absolutely stunning. However,
something that I totally forgot to remember was that I suffer a bit scared of
heights. As I happily and carelessly climbed the outer part of the castle,
intrigued by the view I was going to enjoy and the pictures I would have taken,
my own reality stroke back.
I was petrified, yet in awe
of the beauty of the sweet beauty of the valley just under my feet. San
Marino is the perfect place to visit for a day visit, the typical place you
want to see but do not need to reserve a week or more. Great visit for a Sunday
stroll, if you happen to be in the neighborhoods.
We spent the whole day, and when it was time to leave, also
the fog decided to clear, allowing us to have a nice view of the external part
of the fortress.
Not to mention the fantastic sunset we could enjoy on our way home
And with this wonderful sunset I wish you a great day and weekend.
Stay tuned!!!
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