State of emergency declared in popular European tourist destination

Сontents

• How to get to San Marino
• Spots for tourists
• Water emergency in San Marino

How to get to San Marino

San Marino's official name is “Most Serene Republic of San Marino” (the title “Most Serene Republic” comes from the Middle Ages and emphasizes the state's sovereignty and independence).

This country is one of the smallest in the world (with an area of about 61 square kilometers), and its population is about 34 thousand people.

It is located in the center of Italy (San Marino's independence was recognized under the Italian protectorate in 1862) on the slope of Mount Monte Titano.

Location of San Marino (screenshot: google.com/maps)

According to ancient sources, around 301 AD the Christian mason Marinus (according to another version, a monk or priest) found refuge from the Roman Emperor Diocletian and founded a small Christian community in the area of modern San Marino.

Officially, these people allegedly inherited the land on the mountain from a former owner named Felicissima (according to her will). At that time the town was called "Land of Saint Marinus" in honor of the faithful founder of the community, which later became a small country.

Mount Monte Titano (photo: commons.wikimedia.org)

Today, San Marino is a state with a highly developed and stable economy (based mainly on finance, industry, services, and tourism) and one of the richest countries in the world in terms of GDP (per capita).

It has no public debt and a budget surplus, and the unemployment rate in San Marino is one of the lowest in all of Europe.

Summer is a tourist season in San Marino as during this period it is the largest number of travelers from all over the world.

It is not difficult to get to this country (no visa is required to cross the border between Italy and San Marino). To get to San Marin, you can use:

• the nearest international airport in Rimini
• bus service (from Rimini or other cities)
• personal transportation
• special transfer (by some travel companies or platforms)

Rimini Airport near San Marino (screenshot: google.com/maps)

Spots for tourists

Some travelers may joke that San Marino is “surrounded by Italy from all sides,” but in fact, this small country has its own atmosphere.

It is divided into nine administrative districts, each with a unique castle in the center. So you can visit each of them if you wish.

Administrative division of San Marino (map: commons.wikimedia.org)

Tourists are most fond of the eponymous capital of this state, the city of San Marino, as well as the highest point of the country, Mount Monte Titano.

There are three main peaks on this mountain, each with ancient towers:

• Guaita, built in the 11th century (it was used as a prison for a long time and was rebuilt several times)

Guaita Tower (photo: commons.wikimedia.org)

• Cesta dating back to the 13th century (it was built on the highest point of the mountain, and the Museum of Ancient Weapons is now located inside)

Cesta Tower (photo: commons.wikimedia.org)

• Montale, built in the early 14th century (it was built in the form of a small pentagon, but is now closed to visitors)

Montale Tower (photo: commons.wikimedia.org)

Together, these towers make up the complex depicted on the flag and coat of arms of San Marino (as well as on local euro coins).

Flag of Most Serene Republic of San Marino (photo: commons.wikimedia.org)

Walking around the capital of San Marino, it is also worth visiting the central square, Piazza della Libertà, where a number of attractions are located: the local Statue of Liberty, the Government Palace (where even foreigners can get married), an observation deck, etc.

The most popular local churches are the Basilica of Saint Marinus and the Church of St. Francis (which houses the Museum of Church Art and the Art Gallery).

Among the museums, travelers prefer:

• Museum of Torture (with a large collection of more than 100 different objects)
• Museum of Curiosities (with various unusual phenomena, events, or people)
• Museum of Modern Weapons
• State Museum of San Marino
• Museum of Vampires, etc.

Those who get tired of walking around the city or visiting museums can simply taste delicious local dishes and wines in the shade, enjoy nature sitting on a bench, stroll through the Adventure Park, or try their hand at the rope course among the trees.

Water emergency in San Marino

At the end of August 2024, the State Secretariat for Labor, Environmental Planning, and Environmental Transition of San Marino declared a state of emergency in the water supply sector.

According to experts, this situation has developed amid low rainfall in recent months and weather conditions (hot summer and early fall).

As a result, the demand for drinking water among the population has increased greatly (which the authorities cannot meet with the resources currently available).

To address the situation, local authorities issued a special resolution declaring a state of emergency in the water supply sector.

One of the streets of San Marino (photo: commons.wikimedia.org)

This means imposing several restrictions and prohibitions:

• you cannot water lawns, gardens, and orchards
• no washing of yards, stairs, or private roads
• no filling of swimming pools
• you cannot pour water into tanks and wells
• you cannot even wash your vehicles (except for car washes).

Violators of such measures may be punished with substantial fines - from EUR 150 to 1000 (for household consumers). In other cases, fines may range from EUR 500 to EUR 2,000.

Finally, for household consumers who exceed the established water consumption limits during the state of emergency, a surcharge of 20 euros is provided for each cubic meter of water used in excess.

Mount Monte Titano with a complex of three towers (photo: commons.wikimedia.org)

Check out also 5 most dangerous islands in the world and Popular Greek island says no to tourists.

Sources: TripHearts, San Marino Rtv, News Direct, Google maps, Wikipedia, 2plus1 Travel and Mr. History YouTube channels.