A Fascinating History

The Republic of San Marino, also known as San Marino, is thought to be the world's first sovereign state and oldest republic. When compared to other micronations like Luxembourg, Andorra, Lichtenstein, and Monaco, San Marino has a history that is as extensive and rich, dating back to before the Middle Ages. Saint Marinus left a nearby island in Croatia on September 3, 301 A.D., traveled to Italy by ship, and eventually settled on Mount Titano, where the modern-day City of San Marino is situated, to erect a church.

Many tourists and visitors wonder why San Marino lies entirely inside the borders of Italy, to which the local's joke "Why do Italy entirely surround San Marino?" San Marino is actually the elder nation. In 1631, the Papacy formally acknowledged it as a sovereign nation. Despite its obvious proximity to and close ties with Italy, it had never participated in either World War 1 or 2.