Posted on 06.05.2012 and completed on 28.10.2013
Although about 2 million tourists visit annually Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino, is quite difficult to get a postcard from this small state situated in the Italian peninsula. I couldn't tell why. Marius made to me a joy again, and behold that I can add another country to my collection. And another UNESCO World Heritage Site: San Marino: Historic Centre and Mount Titano (2008).
Founded on 3 September 301 as a monastic comunity by stonecutter Marinus of Rab (later became Saint Marinus), who took refuge to the nearby Monte Titano, to escape from the persecution of Roman emperor Diocletian, San Marino is the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world. According to legend, Saint Marinus died in the winter of 366 and his last words were: Relinquo vos liberos ab utroque homine. (I leave you free from both men), referring to the emperor and the pope. Its constitution, enacted in 1600, is also the world's oldest constitution still in effect. With diplomatic skill, San Marino managed to survive not only to the restless Middle Ages, but even to the Italian unification made by Giuseppe Garibaldi, remaining an enclave surrounded by Italy.
The castle in the center of the first postcard, but also in the second one, is the Guaita fortress (Castillo La Rocca o Guaita), the oldest of the three towers constructed on Monte Titano, and the most famous, the other two being De La Fratta and Montale. It was built in the 11th century and served briefly as a prison. The three towers are depicted on both the national flag and coat of arms. San Marino also has a cake known as La Torta Di Tre Monti (Cake of the Three Mountains), as a symbol for the area.
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