San Marino: a miniature state with centuries-old traditions. What is the capital of the state of San Marino and how many people live there? Best time to visit

San Marino is a miniature state located in the northeast of the Apennine Peninsula, between the Italian regions of Emilia-Romagna and Marche. This is the smallest and most ancient republic on the planet. The full name of the country is the Most Serene Republic of San Marino.

Despite the very small area, the country is divided into 9 municipalities ( castelli): the capital of San Marino, as well as the castelli of Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Domagnano, Chiesanuova, Montegiardino, Serravalle, Faetano and Fiorentino. These areas, or city-communes, historically arose on the site of the first settlements, where defensive fortresses were subsequently erected.

The capital is not the largest city: only 4.5 thousand people live in San Marino, while in industrial Serravalle there are twice as many.

The Republic owes its name to Saint Marino, who at the beginning of the 4th century AD gathered a group of Christians and took refuge with them from the persecution of the Roman Emperor Diocletian on Mount Titano. Marino was canonized during his lifetime. According to legend, his last words were: “I leave you free from other people.” The tiny village quickly received the status of a separate state and already in the Middle Ages had its own republican laws, which are still in effect in San Marino today.

In foreign policy, the republic invariably maintains neutrality.

These days, San Marino is deservedly one of the most visited countries in Europe. This is facilitated by both the rich cultural and historical heritage of the republic and the distinctive hospitality of the local residents.

Capital	San Marino
Population	32,000 people (2011)
Population density	519.9 people/km²
	Italian
Religion	Catholicism
Form of government	parliamentary republic
	euro, San Marino lira
Timezone
International dialing code
Internet domain zone
Electricity	220 V, 50 Hz, European type sockets.

Climate and weather

San Marino has a subtropical Mediterranean climate. This means that the summers here are long, hot and sunny, and the winters, although short, are quite cold.

There is practically no rain in summer, and the average daily temperature in August–September is +26 °C. At this time, breezes blow on the flat part of the country, which somewhat soften the heat.

The coldest month is February: at this time the air warms up during the day to +7...+9 °C. In winter, a cold north wind often blows (here it is called " boron"), so there may be frosts down to -1...-4 °C at night. Sometimes snow falls, but the snow cover does not stay long.

The best time to travel to San Marino is from May to September, when the weather is most comfortable.

Nature

The nature of San Marino will impress any traveler. And if you climb higher into the mountains, you will see that the lands of Italy also “work” on the beauty of San Marino - after all, they offer a wonderful view from above. Mount Titano, 738 m above sea level, is the highest point in the country.

The flora of this region is very diverse and has about 4 thousand species. Numerous evergreens grow here: cypress, laurel, pistachio, cork oak, magnolia, pomegranate and olive, southern juniper and boxwood, blue-green agaves, lemon. Blackberries and dozens of types of flowers grow everywhere.

The country's fauna is notable for the fact that, if desired, all its representatives can be found in the surrounding forests. In addition to the well-known squirrels and hares, there are martens, weasels, chamois, roe deer, wild boars and badgers. The rivers are inhabited by chubs, tench, pike and even trout and grayling.

Attractions

The main attractions of the country are located in the capital - the city of San Marino. An examination of the local architectural wonders always begins with the famous towers - Guaita, Montale and Cesta (they are depicted on the coat of arms of San Marino).

The Guaita Tower was built in the 11th century and initially served as a prison. Now this is perhaps the most popular place among tourists in San Marino. From the height of the tower you can endlessly admire the picturesque beauties of the lands of San Marino and Italy. The Cesta Tower was built on the highest point of Monte Titano in the 13th century, and Montale was built a century later. True, tourist access to this tower is now limited.

It is also interesting to visit the Government Palace of San Marino, or Palazzo Publico. This grand building, with its battlements, pointed turrets and polygonal balconies, looks much more like a defensive fortress than a secular palace. Actually, the palace has always performed protective functions. Inside you can look at the perfectly preserved Council Hall, the Meeting and Audience Hall, the Voting Hall and a huge number of examples of medieval art.

Be sure to take a walk around Freedom Square (“ Piazza della Liberta") in front of the Government Palace. Here is the Statue of Liberty, which was given to the city in 1876 by the German Countess Geirot Wagener. Under the square there are huge tank tanks " Fossey", which used to collect rainwater to provide the residents of San Marino with drinking water (there are almost no rivers in the country). The square offers beautiful views of the city and the local Montalbo cemetery, which, oddly enough, is considered a popular tourist spot.

There are also many interesting historical monuments in the vicinity of the capital. Here one cannot help but pay attention to the unique temples, which were not only places of worship in medieval San Marino, but also centers of education and science. The rock-cut Chapel of San Marino, located in Baldacerrone, is very impressive. In Cailungo there is the temple complex of San Rocco Oratori, where you can see the canvas “Madonna and Child”, dated 1542. Domagnano has the church of San Michele Arcangelo, built in 1253. And the oldest church of St. Andrew, which is mentioned in the chronicles in 1144, is located in Serravalle. True, the ancient building has not survived, and the modern building was erected in 1824.

Nutrition

Italian cuisine dominates in the Republic of San Marino. Here you will be offered the same ravioli, lasagna, cannelloni, tortellini, pasatelli broth, various pastas and pizza. Particularly popular are Roman escalopes, fried rabbit, Bolognese cutlets, assorted “mutfuls” of three types of meat and fried partridge with different sauces. You can’t be in San Marino without trying the San Iarino pie and caramel dessert “ Cacciatello».

Any restaurant will offer you an impressive wine list. The best are considered to be Muscat Moscato di San Marino, as well as Albana, Biancale and Sangiovese wines. If you are brave enough, you can try the local strong drink " mister».

Of the Italian restaurants in the country's capital, tourists are usually advised to visit Ritrovo dei Lavoratori And Il Piccolo. Note that there are almost no alternatives to Italian cuisine in San Marino, except for American-European fast food in shopping centers. But if you want to take a break from pasta and pizza, you can dine at a restaurant Guang Dong, where visitors are offered a wide selection of Chinese and Japanese cuisine.

Accommodation

The bulk of tourists come to San Marino for a one-day visit and live in the nearby Italian city of Rimini. In some cases it turns out to be cheaper.

But in San Marino there are about a dozen excellent family hotels of 3* and 4* categories. Almost all of them are located in picturesque areas with green parks and flowering gardens. As a rule, hotels have a swimming pool and a restaurant. The rooms are air conditioned. Internet access and breakfast are often not included in the room price.

Please note that from April to October, during the high season, there may not be enough rooms, so we advise you to book hotels in advance.

As for rental housing in San Marino, it is mainly not apartments that are rented here, but houses designed to accommodate a large family. As a rule, the cost of such pleasure is at least 2000 euros per month, which is perhaps more affordable than a long stay in a 4* hotel, but not at all cheap for long-term rental.

Entertainment and relaxation

The first thing that impresses all travelers without exception in San Marino is the abundance of holidays, which are a series of religious and secular events. All celebrations take place in San Marino on a grand scale. Many holidays are concentrated in the period from January 6 (Epiphany) to February 5 (Anniversary of liberation from Alberone occupation). It is extremely interesting to watch on April 1 and October 1 the magnificent ceremony of transferring powers to the new captain-regent. And, of course, if you find yourself in San Marino at the end of April, do not miss the opportunity to attend the Formula 1 Grand Prix races. The most spectacular holidays are “ Medieval Days” at the end of July and Independence Day on September 3.

Active recreational activities are very popular in everyday life in San Marino. There are many football fields, swimming pools, and tennis courts. Tourists are also offered roller skating, bicycles, basketball, hunting and fishing. Be sure to try your hand at local sports - clay pigeon shooting and ball throwing " bocci».

If you come with children, be sure to visit the local aquarium and watch the life of rare fish and reptiles.

Museums in San Marino deserve special attention. You can touch history at the State Museum of San Marino and the Museum of Ancient Weapons in the Cesta Tower. Paintings and sculptures of the 16th-17th centuries are presented in the art gallery of the Church of San Francesco. Car enthusiasts can expect exciting impressions at the Museum of Vintage Cars and at the exhibition Maranello-Resso- the world's only exhibition of Ferrari cars since 1951. Curious exhibits are also presented in the Museum of Curiosities and the Wax Museum.

Purchases

Shopping in San Marino is attractive because the country is a duty-free zone: prices here will be about 20% lower than in Italy! Therefore, this is where tourists come who want to buy a whole wardrobe for 500-1000 €.

In San Marino there are about ten so-called outlets where you can buy things from famous Italian designers with a 30-70% discount. Moreover, discounts are valid all year round, and during total sales in July-August and January-February, discounts are doubled. True, at this time there is such an influx of shopaholics that popular models and sizes are not easy to find.

The most popular outlet is the capital one Big Chic, or San Marino Factory Outlet. All brands are located in separate stores. These are mainly mid-segment items at reasonable prices.

Fur coats deserve special attention: there are two fur factories in San Marino - UniFur And Braschi. In factory stores you can buy a beautiful, high-quality fur coat for 1000-1500 €.

It is believed that in San Marino you can buy high-quality sunglasses inexpensively: in the center of the capital there are indeed a lot of shops with a huge selection of glasses in different price categories. But you should be very careful not to buy a fake.

All tourists consider it their duty to purchase leather items in the city of San Marino. In the center there are many small private shops, where during sales you can find leather jackets from little-known Italian brands for 200-300 €.

When it comes to souvenirs and gifts, San Marino deservedly has the reputation of a souvenir paradise. In local souvenir shops you can find anything: from glass and ceramic vases to exclusive jewelry. We also recommendbuy alcohol in San Marino, as it is cheaper here than in duty free.

When planning a shopping trip in San Marino, remember that from 13:30 to 16:00 almost all shops are closed.

Transport

There is no airport or railway in San Marino. However, the country gets along just fine without them, since literally an hour’s drive from San Marino, in the Italian city of Rimini, there is an international airport named after Federico Fellini and a railway station. Buses and taxis run regularly from Rimini to San Marino.

Finding a taxi in San Marino is not a problem. There are about ten San Marino taxi services, and several more Italian ones are added to them, which carry passengers from San Marino to Rimini and back.

There is also a type of transport here, such as a cable car. It leads to the towns of Borgo Maggiore and Monte Titano. The cable car cars are called gondolas and run every 15 minutes. From July 1 to September 5, the cable car operates from 7:50 to 01:00, from September 6 to 30 - until 20:00, in October and March - until 19:00, and in November-February it stops operating at 18:30 . The cost of the trip is 4.5 € in both directions.

If you wish, you can rent a car in San Marino. There are several car rental points in the capital. In order to rent a car, you need a credit card and an international driver's license. The driver must be at least 21 years old.

Connection

San Marino has many internet cafes with wireless internet access. Internet services are also provided in all hotels, but it makes sense to check their costs in advance.

But mobile communications here are of excellent quality: the country uses the GSM 900/1800 standard. There are two mobile operators - Vodafone Omnitel And Telecom Italia Mobile. Roaming is also available; only the cost of this service can upset a tourist.

An alternative to expensive roaming can be telephone booths located everywhere. To pay for calls, you can use telephone cards (sold at any kiosk or store), as well as tokens or small coins. At the post office and from some bars you can call using the “ scatty”, that is, pay after the conversation.

If you need to call abroad, again, a street pay phone will help. You can also order a conversation at a call center. The cost of calls depends on the destination country and time of day. The cheapest time to call is from 22:00 to 8:00. If you are going to make calls from a pay phone, it is better to buy a special calling card that provides favorable rates to certain countries.

Safety

The crime rate in San Marino is one of the lowest in Europe, so there is no need to worry about safety here. But, as in any tourist place, you should beware of thieves of all stripes. It is better to store large sums of money, expensive jewelry, watches and other valuables in a hotel safe, even for an additional fee. By the way, you shouldn’t leave valuables in your hotel room either, since the administration is not responsible for things not deposited in the safe.

There are no predatory animals or outbreaks of infectious diseases on the territory of San Marino. The only potential danger is the steep mountainous terrain, which makes roads and streets known for their sharp curves.

Business climate

Since 1956, San Marino has had the status of a free economic zone. The country is an attractive offshore zone and has a reputation as a “tax paradise”. It is not for nothing that many Italian companies locate their production in San Marino in order to take advantage of significant tax breaks. From the point of view of foreign investment, such areas as banking, numismatics and tourism are traditionally considered promising.

Real estate

As in many dwarf states, it is unlikely that you can buy real estate cheaply in San Marino. The opportunity to have housing in a picturesque mountainous region with excellent ecology and excellent infrastructure costs a lot of money, and, apparently, in San Marino this is understood very well, since the cost of real estate in this country is traditionally high.

The conditions for purchasing an apartment or house in San Marino are not much different from the conditions for purchasing real estate in Europe or Italy. Thus, today any foreigner in San Marino can purchase an apartment, villa or commercial property with ownership rights. But, unfortunately, you won’t be able to obtain citizenship this way, even if you buy a villa for several million euros. To become a citizen of San Marino, you need to have officially lived here for 30 years.

Note that in this country any real estate is subject to tax, but, fortunately, there is an agreement between Russia and San Marino that prevents double taxation.

Among residential real estate, most offers concern the sale of country houses - the apartment market is very scarce. But villas and luxurious mansions abound. But prices for a house in San Marino usually start from 500-600 thousand euros.

San Marino is a small but proud country, and this should be taken into account when communicating with its natives. Be sure to ask permission before photographing a local resident.

Residents of San Marino are offended if they are called Italians: however, not at all because they do not like Italians, they simply value their own independence very much.

A striking difference from Italy is also manifested in restrained etiquette: when meeting or making acquaintances in San Marino, they do not hug and kiss, as in Italy, but just shake hands.

Smoking is prohibited in most public places and, by the way, while driving a car. Violation of the latter prohibition is punishable by a fine of 100 €.

As for currency exchange, we advise you to inquire in advance about the commission percentage charged at the bank or exchange office. Since the maximum percentage is not prescribed by law, in some places it can reach 10%. Some exchange offices may also charge a fixed commission. Also note that most banks require you to present your passport when exchanging foreign currency. Banks are open on weekdays from 8.30 to 13.30 and from 15.00 to 16.00. Exchange offices are open an hour longer. By the way, the official money of San Marino - the lira - is not used here.

The content of the article

SAN MARINO, The Republic of San Marino (officially the Most Serene Republic of San Marino), a state in Southern Europe. Located on the Apennine Peninsula in the northeastern foothills of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and surrounded by Italian territory (the regions of Marche and Emilia-Romagna). Geographic coordinates: 43° 46´ N, 12° 25´ E. the length of the borders is 39 km. From southwest to northeast the country stretches for 12.6 km, and from southeast to northwest – for 8.6 km. Area 61.2 sq. km.

Population 32,140 (July 2011 estimate). Many Sanmarinos live in Italy and France, as well as North America.

Nature.

The country's terrain is low-mountain. The highest point is Mount Titano (755 m); It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding plains and the coast of the Adriatic Sea, 19 km away. The lowest point is Torrente Auza (55 m). The country's territory is characterized by terraces and small ravines with steep overhanging edges.

Groundwater gives rise to small rivers and streams flowing into the Adriatic Sea. Short rivers overflow rapidly during periods of rain and snowmelt, and during dry summers they partially dry up, which complicates the water supply problem. Three relatively large rivers flow through the territory of San Marino - Ausa, Marano and San Marino (a tributary of the Italian Marrecchia River). In the San Anastasio Valley there are sulfur-iron mineral springs.

The country's climate is subtropical Mediterranean: long, fairly dry, hot and sunny summers, especially on the plains, and warm, rainy winters, when cyclones often sweep over the territory of San Marino. In winter, snow sometimes falls, sometimes quite heavily, with drifts. The average temperature of the warmest month, July, in the country is + 25° C, the coldest month, January, is minus 1–4° C. The number of frosty days per year is 15–20.

In winter, the Adriatic coast is exposed to cold northern and northeastern winds (“bora”), which causes snowfall and cloudy weather in winter. Sometimes the north-east wind (“Grekale”) blows. In summer, breezes blow on the plain, and in the mountainous part of the republic - mountain-valley winds. The average annual precipitation is 890 mm.

Fertile brown subtropical and humus-carbonate soils and Mediterranean red soils predominate. There are also mountain brown forest soils and soils of lower altitude zones. Sanmarinos fight erosion by afforesting slopes and terracing, and also regulate mountain streams.

The vegetation cover has been greatly modified by humans. Ancient oak and chestnut forests have been cut down almost entirely; hard-leaved evergreen trees and shrubs (holm and cork oaks, maquis and garigue thickets), and coastal pine have been preserved. The altitudinal zonation of vegetation is characteristic. On the lower parts of the slopes and in the foothills, cultural landscapes predominate (olive plantations, fields, vineyards, orchards), which in the north, in places up to an altitude of 500–600 m, are combined with preserved groves of holm and cork oak, Aleppo pine, pine and shrubs. At an altitude of more than 500 m, forests of oak and chestnut begin with an admixture of maple, elm and ash.

The flora of San Marino has about 4 thousand species. Evergreen plants here include cork oak, lemon, cypress, pine, laurel, myrtle, pomegranate and olive, pistachio and magnolia, wild strawberry trees, viburnum laurel, boxwood, butcher's broom, southern buckthorn, southern juniper, blue-green agaves, and prickly pears. Blackberries and mulberries grow in abundance. Quite a lot of bright colors. Of the fruit trees, the most important are olives, figs and chestnuts.

Among the animals preserved in San Marino are rodents (squirrels, dormice, field mice and rats), chamois, roe deer, badger, marten and weasel. There are wild boars, hares, rabbits and foxes. Lots of cicadas. The rivers and streams are home to pike, tench, chub, trout and grayling.

Political system.

San Marino is considered the oldest existing republic in the world. The official date of its founding is September 3, 301. The current constitution was adopted on October 8, 1600, but since then it has been amended and supplemented many times. Since ancient times, the highest body of the republic was considered the Arengo - a meeting of heads of families; later, when the development of laws by such a large circle of people became difficult, its legislative rights were transferred to the Great General Council. However, Arengo retains the power to change legal codes and file petition bills. According to tradition, this is done on the first Sunday after April 1 and October 1. The Council is required to consider these petitions within six months.

From the beginning of the 17th century. Arengo was virtually deprived of power and did not gather for more than three hundred years. Only on March 25, 1906, this body regained its powers and decided that members of the Great General Council should be elected by popular secret vote. Currently, San Marino has universal suffrage for citizens over 18 years of age living in the country. Women gained voting rights in 1960.

The Parliament of the Republic is the Grand General Council. It consists of 60 members who are elected by popular vote for a term of five years using a proportional system. The Council exercises legislative, administrative and legal powers. Its competence includes the adoption of laws and regulations, ratification of treaties and agreements, appointment to government positions and diplomatic posts. In addition, he has the right of pardon, amnesty and rehabilitation, grants citizenship, honorary titles and orders, and controls the state budget. The Grand General Council elects the Captain Regents, the State Congress, the Council of 12, the Government Comptrollers and the Regency Comptrollers.

The functions of the head of state are performed by two captain-regents. They are elected by the Grand General Council from among its members every 6 months, take office on April 1 and October 1, represent the Sanmarinian state and are the heads of the executive branch. According to custom, one of them must come from the city, the other from the countryside. The position is considered an honorary duty for which no salary is paid. At the end of their tenure, captains-regents are required to submit a report on their activities, and each citizen can publicly voice a complaint about an unfair decision. To investigate their activities, there is a special judicial body - the “Regency Consortium”.

The Captain Regents preside over the Great General Council, the Council of 12 and the State Congress. They work strictly collectively and are obliged to make all decisions together, each of them has the right to veto the decisions of the other. The Captain Regent can be re-elected to this post only after 3 years.

The government of the republic is the State Congress, consisting of 10 members. This body was formed in 1945 as a result of the merger of the Economic Assembly and the Council on Foreign Affairs. According to the law of May 15, 1945, it exercises executive power jointly with the captains-regents. All members of the Congress are elected by the Great General Council for a term of 5 years. A special role is played by two secretaries of state - for internal affairs and for external and financial affairs.

Legal proceedings - civil and criminal - are partly carried out by Italian magistrates. Appeals are first sent to an Italian judge. The country's highest judicial body is the Council of 12. Its powers were defined by the law of 1923 and included civil, criminal and administrative functions. The Council also serves as a "third instance" court. He received the right to give permission to foreign citizens to purchase real estate on the territory of the republic, recognize legal entities and allow them to change property rights. An administrative tribunal was created in 1989. Minor cases are handled by the local court. Prison sentences longer than 6 months are served in Italian prisons.

The territory of the republic is divided into 9 districts - “castles”. Each of them is governed by a commission headed by a captain elected from among its members for 2 years.

Political parties.

After World War II, a multi-party system developed in San Marino.

Christian Democratic Party(CDA) is the largest in the country. Founded on April 9, 1948, modeled and influenced by the Italian Christian Democratic Party; proclaims the values ​​of democracy, freedom, pluralism and solidarity. The party was created by San Marino Catholics, supported by the church leadership and adheres to a center-right orientation. Member of the European People's Party and the International of Christian Democratic Parties. Until 1957, the Christian Democratic Party was in opposition to the left-wing government of the country; in 1957–1973 it ruled San Marino in a coalition with the Social Democrats, and in 1973–1977 with the Socialists. In 1978–1986, the Christian Democrats again went into opposition. In 1986–1992, the Christian Democratic Party formed governments together with the communists, and since 1992, again in alliance with the socialists. In the general elections in June 2001, the party collected 41% of the vote and won 25 of the 60 seats on the Grand General Council. Leader - Giovanni Lonfernini (Captain Regent 2003–2004).

Sanmarino Socialist Party(SMSP) – founded in 1892. Declared its commitment to the principles of international socialism, its intention to modernize the country’s political system and improve the socio-economic living conditions of the citizens of San Marino. SMSP is guided by the values ​​of representative democracy, freedom and human rights, solidarity (especially between different generations and towards the socially weak), social justice and equal opportunities. Advocates reforms to continually improve social and democratic institutions and rejects ready-made social models. Sanmarino socialists call for the development of a “modern economy” based on “dialectical cooperation” between different parts of society, the absence of discrimination, the provision of equal opportunities to workers and all citizens, a combination of individual competition and the growth of social welfare. They strive to provide jobs for everyone. SMSP is part of the Socialist International.

From 1945–1957, socialists ruled the country in coalition with the communists; in 1955, the right wing broke away from them, forming the Social Democratic Party (reunited with the SMSP in 1987; the Socialist Unity Party, which separated from the Social Democrats in 1976, merged with the SMSP in 1990). In 1957–1969, the SMSP was in opposition. In subsequent years, it was part of the ruling coalition with the Christian Democrats (1969–1977), the Communists and Social Democrats (1978–1986) and again with the Christian Democratic Party (since 1992). In the general elections, the socialists were supported by 24.2% of voters. The party has 15 seats on the Grand General Council.

Democratic Party(PD) - formed in the early 2000s on the basis of the Progressive Democratic Party, which, in turn, arose in 1990–1991 as a result of the transformation of the Sanmarinsky Communist Party that had existed since 1921. It is a social-democratic organization that declared itself the result of a unification of “left-wing forces and personalities from various cultural and political circles”, based on the values ​​of freedom, solidarity, equality and peace and inspired by the “culture of European democratic reformism”. The PD strives for an “open and responsible society” and the modernization of the country. To this end, she considers it necessary for San Marino to join the European Union, the adoption of a new Constitutional Charter for the rule of law and the implementation of public service reform. In the economic field, Democrats advocate the introduction of new technologies, equal rights for workers and entrepreneurs, free initiative, demonopolization of key industries and increased employment. The party believes that possible forms of privatization should be the result of public consent. Proposes encouraging the development of a social insurance system, economic self-organization, cooperatives and forms of activity not aimed at making profits. While insisting on improving the “welfare state,” the PoD, at the same time, calls for strict control over government spending.

People's Alliance of San Marino Democrats(NASD) is a centrist party formed in 1993. The political philosophy of the NASD is based on the idea of ​​a crisis in the “traditional party model” and the intention to create “an association of free individuals, without party cards, with simple rules, around high values... and a realistic program.” He advocates reform of state institutions with a clearer separation of powers, expansion of the practice of referendums, etc. NASD – for the combination of a “healthy market economy” with the principles of solidarity and dignity of labor. The state, according to the party, should give up managing the economy and focus on providing necessary services based on economic efficiency criteria.

Sanmarino communist revival(SKV) – left-wing political party, created in 1991 on the basis of the left wing of the former Sanmarinsky Communist Party. In ideology and political line it is similar to the Italian Communist Renaissance Party. (see ITALY).

Sanmarine National Alliance(SMNA) - an extreme right-wing party that united former neo-fascists. Ideologically and politically similar to the Italian National Alliance ( cm. ITALY).

There are also smaller political parties: "Socialists for Reform", "Ideas in Motion" and etc.

Armed forces.

The Republic of San Marino does not have an army in the modern sense of the word. There are several special military units with special functions. From the 13th–14th centuries. there is a once famous and now traditional corps of archers (currently 80 people). Created after 1740 and armed with sabers, the Guard of the Great General Council is obliged to protect the captains-regents and members of parliament during meetings, as well as during civil and religious holidays. The fortress guard unit (formed in 1543) controls the artillery; According to the 1987 law, it also performs the functions of police bailiffs. In addition, this unit is responsible for protecting the state border, public buildings and ministries; it is traditionally armed with rifles with bayonets. Participants in the city militia (“militia”), established in 1600, were supposed to be citizens of San Marino and foreigners who had lived in the territory of the republic for at least 6 years, aged 16 to 55 years. Every family that had at least two men of suitable age was required to place half of them in the militia. It is under the command of a captain and is armed with muskets and bayonets, playing a rather ceremonial role. Since 1843, the militia has had a group of military musicians of 50 people.

In 1842, a gendarmerie corps was formed in San Marino, performing police duties (fighting crime, maintaining public order, protecting the safety and property of citizens, implementing state laws and regulations). There is also a corps of city civilian police whose officers monitor street traffic and perform functions in the civil, commercial, industrial, tax and fiscal areas.

The country's military spending in the 2000–2001 fiscal year amounted to $700 thousand.

Foreign policy.

San Marino adheres to the principles of neutrality and non-alignment and is not a member of military-political blocs. Member of the UN since 1992. It is part of a number of its specialized organizations. Member of the European Council. It has diplomatic relations with many states (with the Russian Federation established in full in 1993).

Special relations exist between San Marino and Italy, with which the republic is in a customs and postal union. In accordance with the 1953 treaty, Italy agreed to pay San Marino an annual monetary compensation for refusing to issue its own banknotes and organize a customs service, as well as for the obligation not to allow the construction of gambling houses and radio television stations on its territory (the last agreement was canceled in 1987) .

Population.

More than 16% of the country's population is under 15 years old, 67% are from 15 to 64 years old. The average age of the republic's residents is 39.6 years. Population growth in 2003 was almost 1.4%, the birth rate was 10.49 per 1000 people, the mortality rate was 7.86 per 1000 people, and the infant mortality rate was 5.97 per 1000 newborns. Average life expectancy is 81.43 years.

OK. 80% of the population are Sanmarinians, 19% are Italians. More than 13 thousand citizens live abroad, primarily in Italy. The official language is Italian; The population speaks the Romanesque dialect of Italian. 93% of the population belongs to the Roman Catholic Church.

There are more than 30 settlements in San Marino. The capital of the country, the city of San Marino (4.4 thousand inhabitants) is located on the western slope of Mount Titano just below its peak. The city has government buildings, architectural monuments, and museums. Business transactions are carried out in Borgo Maggiore (5.2 thousand), located 185 m below the capital. The largest settlement is Serravalle (7.9 thousand). The number of inhabitants in all other settlements does not exceed 1000 each.

Economy.

Until the late 1950s, the country's economy was poorly developed. The agricultural sector and tourist services predominated. The main occupations of the residents were agriculture, cattle breeding, winemaking and gardening. Stone cutting and sulfur mining played a major role in industry. There were small factories producing dishes, soap, perfumes and souvenirs. Bread, tobacco, salt and manufactured goods were imported from Italy, where San Marino, in turn, supplied wool, livestock, wine, silk, fruit, cheese and building stone. In the 1960s, industry began to develop: industrial enterprises were built, employing more than 100 workers.

According to estimates for 2001, the country's GNP amounted to $940 million (real growth in 2001 - 7.5%), which corresponded to $34,600 per capita. The inflation rate was 3.3%.

GDP by economic sector in 2009 was distributed as follows: agriculture - 0.1%; industry – 39.2%; services – 60.7% (2009).
Unemployment, which was 2.6% in 2001, rose to 5.5% in 2011.

In 2009, GDP per capita was $36,200, real GDP growth rate was 0.8% (2011)
More than 50% of San Marino's GDP comes from the tourism sector. In 2000, the country was visited by more than 3 million tourists, many of whom specially come to the republic from the beaches of the Adriatic coast to admire the sights of the ancient republic. Banking is also a developed service.

The industry produces clothing, electronics, ceramics, ceramic tiles, furniture, paints and varnishes, cement, fabrics, paper, leather, furs, confectionery, wines and liqueurs. 59% of electricity is produced from hydro resources, 41% comes from thermal energy, and a significant part of the electricity has to be imported from Italy.

17% of the territory is cultivated for agricultural purposes. Mainly wheat, corn, grapes and fruits are grown. San Marino is famous for its wine. Livestock farming (cattle, pigs) is developed. Main livestock products: cheeses, meat, leather. Silkworms and bees are bred.
Exports include building stone, lime, woolen fabrics, chestnuts, wheat, wine, baked goods, leather, ceramics, varnishes, tiles, furniture and cement. A variety of consumer goods and food products are imported. The main trading partner is Italy.

The expenditure side of the state budget in 2000 was, according to an estimate, 400 million dollars, revenue - 400 million. San Marino is included in the euro zone and does not have its own currency and paper money, although it issues its own coins and postage stamps, sale which constitutes an important source of income. Other sources of income are revenues from state monopolies, income taxes and annual contributions from Italy. These fees consist of customs duties on goods passing through Italian territory and destined for San Marino, as well as fees for the obligation not to issue its own currency, not to grow tobacco or open gambling houses. The agreement allows Italy to maintain a state monopoly on cigarettes and playing cards.

There are no airports in the country. A one and a half kilometer suspended railway connects the capital with Borgo Maggiore. The length of roads is 220 km. (all are paved). There are bus and car connections between San Marino and Italy. In summer, helicopters operate between San Marino and Rimini.

San Marino, surrounded on all sides by Italian territory, has been a free economic zone with a very low tax rate since 1956. The Republic of San Marino was among 32 countries on the "first blacklist" as a tax haven, along with Liechtenstein, Monaco, Liberia, Guatemala, Panama, the Philippines and Uruguay, as well as a group of Caribbean and Pacific island states.
After the end of the G20 summit in London in 2009, at which it was decided to tighten measures against the so-called “tax oases” and publish a list of countries that help conceal financial fraud, the Republic of San Marino sent a letter to the Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Angel Gurría received a letter of commitment to cooperate, in which he undertakes to amend his legislation regarding bank secrecy.
Since October 2009, a tax amnesty for the repatriation of funds has led to an outflow of funds from San Marino to Italy in the amount of more than $4.5 billion. This outflow, coupled with a money laundering scandal in San Marino's largest financial institutions, coupled with the global economic downturn, led to a deep recession, widening budget deficits and rising external debt. Industrial production levels fell, especially in textiles and exports, 90% of which were attributed to crisis-hit Italy.
The government took measures to combat the economic downturn, including subsidizing loans for businesses.

In September 2009, the OECD removed San Marino from its list of tax havens, and in 2010 the country signed tax information exchange agreements with most EU countries.

Society and culture.

The standard of living corresponds to that of the most prosperous areas of Italy. 96% literate. There are secondary educational institutions whose certificates are recognized by universities in Italy. From the middle of the 19th century. Free schooling is available. The Belluzzi College has existed since 1691. There are a number of social programs.

In San Marino in 1998 there were more than 18 thousand telephone subscribers and more than 3000 mobile phones. There were 3 radio stations and 1 television station. In 1997, there were 16 thousand radios and 9 thousand televisions in the country.

The foundations of the material culture of the Sanmarinians have been preserved since the Middle Ages. Typical are two-story houses with a gable tiled roof (Latin type of housing). National cuisine is characterized by an abundance of spices and roots, and the consumption of many wild plants. Breakfast usually consists of a cup of coffee, a sandwich with cheese or jam, lunch - a snack, first and second courses. In this case, the appetizer is most often prepared from pasta seasoned with tomato, and the first course is a thick soup of beans, legumes and vegetables with bread soaked in it. Cold salads are often served with stewed meat.

The folk clothing of the Sanmarinians differs little from the traditional clothing of the inhabitants of Northern Italy. Men wore short pants held together below the knee with a colored cord, white cotton shirts, as well as short jackets or sleeveless vests, and black hats or berets were placed on their heads. The elegant costume of women consisted of a long, wide, gathered or pleated skirt (usually in dark colors), a shirt similar to a Roman tunic, with wide sleeves and gathers at the shoulder and wrist, and a bodice. They wore outerwear, which could be longer or shorter. Women also wore a bright apron and a large headscarf in dark colors. Currently, folk costume can be found only on holidays.

Sanmarinians celebrate the anniversary of Arengo (March 25), the assumption of office of captains-regents, the Day of Liberation of the Republic (February 5), the Day of the Fall of the Fascist Regime (July 28), etc., as well as numerous religious holidays. Almost all holidays are accompanied by street songs, dances, music, and poetry readings.

San Marino is famous for its medieval fortifications and churches decorated with frescoes, paintings and statues. Sanmarinsky civil engineers of the 16th century became famous. Giovanni Battista Belluzzi and G. Genga, painter, sculptor and architect of the 19th century. Emilio Retrosi.

Story.

The most ancient period.

The ancient history of San Marino does not differ from the history of its neighboring regions of Italy. Ancient people appeared on the Apennine Peninsula ca. 500 thousand years ago. About 7–6 thousand years BC. Agricultural settlements began to appear on the Adriatic coast, and in 3500–2500 BC. In Northern Italy, a center of metallurgy of the Late Bronze Age developed. In the 13th–9th centuries. BC. this area was in the zone of distribution of the “fields of burial urns” culture. The ancient population was displaced by Italic tribes, one of which, the Umbrians, settled east of the Apennine Mountains. Later, Etruscan settlements appeared in this area. The “Iron Age” took hold in Northern Italy. In the 5th century BC. the Celtic Senone tribe settled south of the Po River. Finally, in the 3rd century. BC. Umbria was conquered by the Romans and became part of the Roman state. Located to the north, the Italian city of Ravenna was in the 5th century. AD the last capital of the Western Roman Empire.

The founder of San Marino is considered to be the Christian stonemason Marin, originally from Loparo on the Dalmatian island of Arbe (modern Rab island in Croatia). At the end of the 3rd century. he, as the legend goes, came to Rimini to work on the construction of the port. He quickly gained authority in the local Christian community, and Bishop Gaudentius appointed him a deacon. Fleeing from the persecution of the Roman authorities, who under Emperor Diocletian (c. 245 - c. 313/316) launched a fierce persecution of Christians, Marinus went to look for a safe place where he could build a church and freely practice Christian worship. He managed to find such a place on Mount Titano, where he settled. Soon other Christian settlers began to join Marin. A settlement arose, and the noble Roman Felicita, in whose possession the mountain was, gave it to the settlers forever, since Marinus cured her children. Marin was the spiritual father and priest of the community. According to legend, it originated in 301.

After the death of the founder, the community did not disintegrate. Its members decided to live in accordance with Marin's covenant: “I leave you free from other people.” The oldest evidence of the existence of a religious monastery is the record of the monk Eugippius (5th–6th centuries), which mentions the monk Basilitius from Mount Titano. Marin was canonized, and the settlement received his name.

In the 9th century the settlement was probably under the patronage of the Duke of Urbino, but then regained its independence. According to the document “Placitum feretranum” (885), stored in the State Archives of San Marino, no one, including the church, had the right to dispose of the inhabitants of the mountain and make claims against them. Apparently, already at this time a general meeting of the inhabitants was meeting - the future Arengo.

In the 10th century Wars in Northern Italy prompted residents to begin strengthening their settlement. The Diploma of Berengaria (951) and the Bull of Honorius II (1126) mention the existence of a fortified town of San Marino. In the 10th–11th centuries. it became a city republic with its own laws. Its main body was Arengo, and executive functions belonged to two consuls (future captain-regents). Their list dates back to 1244. In 1253 the first statutes were adopted. Population growth prompted residents to expand the territory they occupied. They bought two castles from neighboring monasteries and counts - Pennarossa and Casole, as evidenced by sources dating back to 1200. The first handwritten collection of laws adopted by Arengo dates back to 1295.

In the 12th–13th centuries, along with Arengo, new bodies of the republic appeared - narrower in composition: the Council of 60 and the Council of 12. It was they who began to deal with current political issues.

Medieval republic.

The bitter struggle between the German emperors and the papacy in the 13th century, which engulfed Northern Italy, also affected San Marino. For centuries, the Republic had to fend off neighboring bishops who sought to tax the Sanmarinians and subject them to their judicial power. The victorious opponents of the papacy, the Ghibellines, expelled their opponents, the Guelphs. The inhabitants of Sanmarino entered into an alliance with the Ghibelline bishop Ugolin, and in 1247 Pope Innocent IV excommunicated them from the church. The excommunication was lifted from them two years later in Perugia. It did not intimidate the Sanmarinians; on the contrary, it gave them the will to fight.

The Republic entered into an alliance with the Ghibelline Duke Guido of Montefeltro, and then with his son Federico, against the Guelph Republic of Rimini, which was ruled by tyrants from the Malatesta family. The struggle between them continued until the conclusion of peace in Romagna in 1299.

San Marino had to endure conflicts with the papal throne under Popes Martin IV (1281–1285), Nicholas IV, Boniface VIII (1294–1303) and John XXII (1316–1334). Over the course of 75 years, church authorities cursed the republic four times.

In 1291, Bishop Hildebrand, appointed by Pope Nicholas IV as governor of Romagna, tried to force the Sanmarinians to recognize themselves as subjects of the pope and pay him taxes and quitrents. Residents refused, citing their history and independence. The dispute was examined by the famous jurist Palamede from Rimini, and his verdict was in favor of San Marino. The lawyer stated that the privileges of freedom were granted to St. Marina.

In 1296, church governors again tried to subjugate the republic. The Sanmarinos appealed to Pope Boniface VIII, and this time the papal legate confirmed the verdict of Palameda and confirmed the complete freedom and independence of San Marino.

The peace did not last long. In 1303, the Sanmarinians captured several envoys of the church who entered the territory of the republic, and the confrontation flared up with renewed vigor. Success in the war accompanied San Marino. Thanks to its well-trained military forces, the Republic forced Bishop Uberto to sign peace in 1320.

Threats from outside prompted the Sanmarinians to strengthen the fortification of the city. When in the 13th century. There was a danger of being encircled by Malatesta's troops, and construction began on the mountain of two more fortress towers, “Cesta” (“Fratta”) and “Montale,” along with the already existing “Guaita.” From the end of the 13th century. a second ring of fortress walls 1 m thick was built. In the 14th century. New work was carried out to strengthen the fortresses. Cardinal Anglico in 1371 mentioned that the city is located “on a high rock”, on the top of which “rises three powerful fortresses”, inspiring anyone who wants to take them “fear and reverence”.

In the 14th century the alliance between San Marino and the Dukes of Montefeltro was dissolved. Bishop Benvenuto and the Malatesta family offered the Sanmarinians church forgiveness, exemption from taxes on Sanmarinian property outside the republic, and the right to freely engage in trade. In exchange, they demanded that the republic withhold support from their rivals, the rulers of Urbino. The inhabitants rejected these conditions, and the struggle with the Malatesta family continued until 1366. Rulers from this family tormented San Marino for the next hundred years. In 1441–1451, in the midst of a new confrontation between the Malatesta and Montefeltro, a third, thicker city wall was built, which today surrounds the city. It was built taking into account the artillery that had appeared.

In the end, Malatesta's position weakened when it became clear that the rulers of Rimini had deceived their ally, King Alfonso of Aragon of Naples, and deprived him of a large sum of money. Relations between Malatesta and the papacy also deteriorated. Taking advantage of this, the Sanmarines entered into an alliance with Pope Pius II and the King of Naples in 1461 and resumed the war. In 1463 it ended with the heavy defeat of Sigismund Malatesta: the republic captured the castles of Fiorentino, Montegiardino and Serravalle, and the castle of Faetano voluntarily joined San Marino. Since then, the country's borders have not changed. In 1491, the Sanmarinians carried out a reform of legislative provisions.

The struggle for independence.

In 1503, the republic was invaded by the troops of Duke Cesare Borgia, who sought to seize the states of Central Italy. Borgia installed his viceroy, Hercules Spavaldo, in power. The occupation did not last long, as the Sanmarines entered into an alliance with the inhabitants of the Duchy of Urbino, who also rebelled against the invaders. In 1542, during the reign of Pope Paul III, he attempted to capture San Marino with a detachment of 500 men under the command of Fabiano de Montesansavino. However, the intention to take the city residents by surprise failed, and the detachment retreated. The representative of the German Emperor Charles V in Rome offered privileges to the republic and persuaded it not to trust the papal servants in Romagna. In 1556, Guidobaldo Rivera, a mercenary of Pope Paul IV, occupied San Marino for some time, but was soon expelled.

When the line of the Dukes of Urbino died out in 1631, its possessions passed to the papacy. The Papal States now surrounded the republic on all sides. In the same year, an agreement was concluded between her and the papacy, according to which the country accepted the patronage of Pope Urban VIII, and he in return recognized its independence and exempted it from customs duties when exporting goods from it to the Papal States.

During this period, the decline of the Republic of San Marino began. Arengo met for the last time on January 9, 1571. Statutes issued at the end of the 16th century deprived him of the power to elect members of the Councils of 60 and 12. From now on, the advisers themselves co-opted new members into their composition, as needed. All power was exercised by the Council of 60, or Great General Council, which officially consisted of 20 nobles, 20 peasants and 20 townspeople. In reality, it included representatives of the urban and rural nobility and the oligarchy. Residents showed increasing indifference to public affairs, many prominent citizens emigrated from the country. The cultural level of the population of San Marino was falling.

In 1739, the republic was subjected to the most severe threat during its entire existence. Sanmarinians P. Lolli and M. Belzoppi, incited by the papal legate of Romagna, Cardinal Alberoni, organized an anti-government conspiracy, but were arrested. The cardinal demanded their release, and having been refused, he arrested Sanmarinese citizens in Romagna and blocked the borders of the republic to prevent the delivery of food. In October 1739, Alberoni's troops, with the support of the clergy and papal supporters, captured San Marino. Residents of the republic were herded into the cathedral to swear an oath to the pope, but they refused. The houses of the most prominent citizens of the republic were looted. The captain-regents Giuseppe Onofri and Gerolamo Gozzi were deposed, arrested and replaced by a gonfaloniere and two guardians. However, they continued to call on the population to resist. A popular uprising broke out. At the same time, the Sanmarinians secretly sent envoys to the pope, seeking the restoration of independence. An inspector was sent from Rome, Cardinal Enrico Enriquez, and then the pope ordered Cardinal Alberoni in February 1740 to leave the territory of San Marino. “You can choke on this republic like a nail,” remarked one of the papal condottieri. These events once again awakened the Sanmarinians from their social lethargy, and the poet Carducci made his famous speech about “eternal freedom.”

The Napoleonic Wars changed at the beginning of the 19th century. international position of San Marino. Walking along the country's border in 1797, Napoleon paid tribute to its republican traditions and declared: "San Marino should be preserved as an example of freedom." He sent his representative Monge to Mount Titano to assure the inhabitants of the republic of his friendship. In 1805, the French emperor received the envoy of San Marino, Antonio Onofri, who arrived in Milan to sign an agreement to expand the trade agreement between San Marino and the Cisalpine Republic. The Sanmarinians were offered to expand their territory at the expense of neighboring Italian regions, but A. Onofri refused, saying: “We don’t need someone else’s. The Republic is content with its poor honesty.” The Emperor also promised to provide grain and artillery to San Marino, but this promise was never fulfilled.

The fall of Napoleon did not affect the status of the country: the Congress of Vienna in 1815 confirmed its independence and the inviolability of its borders.

In the 19th century San Marino served as a refuge for Italian revolutionaries and republicans. In the late 1830s, a branch of the Mazzinist society “Young Italy” arose here. In 1849, after the fall of the Roman Republic, Giuseppe Garibaldi retreated to the territory of San Marino with 2 thousand soldiers of his legion. The country's authorities agreed to provide assistance to the wounded and persecuted, but demanded that the Sanmarinians be spared the hardships of war. Yielding to this demand, Garibaldi announced the dissolution of the legion. The fact that the Italian revolutionary took refuge in San Marino aroused the wrath of Austria. Austrian and papal troops began to surround the republic. However, Garibaldi and 250 of his supporters managed to leave the country 15 minutes before the encirclement was completed. They were conducted by Sanmarinian Nicola Zani. Austria and the papal government did not forgive the republic for its self-will. In 1851, San Marino had to withstand the blockade of Austrian troops, and in 1854 the papal authorities invited the Duke of Tuscany to carry out a military occupation of San Marino as a “place of refuge for liberals.” The threat was averted only due to the fact that the French Emperor Napoleon III sent his envoy to the country and offered it his protection. The situation was aggravated by political unrest in the republic itself in 1853–1854, which was blamed on young adherents of Garibaldi.

In 1859, regimes hostile to the republic in neighboring Italian states fell, and it was now surrounded by a single Italian kingdom. In 1862, Italy concluded a treaty of friendship and trade with San Marino, recognizing and guaranteeing the country's independence. This treaty was renewed in 1872 and 1897.

Social movements and political reforms.

The period 1865–1885 was relatively favorable for the economy of the republic. The treasury of San Marino was significantly replenished, not least through the trade in awards and titles. Measures were taken to develop economic infrastructure, build roads and public buildings. But at the end of the 19th century. The time has come for an economic recession against the backdrop of the agrarian crisis in Europe. Government funds have declined sharply, leaving many workers unemployed. The difficult social situation increased criticism of the oligarchic government, especially from young people. Demands for political reforms intensified.

The Sanmarinian opposition was initially dominated by adherents of Garibaldi and Mazzini. In 1882, a monument to Garibaldi was erected in the Republic, and local progressives sought permission to raise their banners during this ceremony. The Sanmarine Mazzinists organized their own group, led by a lawyer from Borgo, Giacomo Martelli. They maintained close ties with like-minded people from the Italian city of Rimini and with republican and radical refugees who found refuge in San Marino.

In the 1880s–1890s, the ideas of anarchism spread in the country, and by the end of the 1890s, legal socialist reformists became stronger. The latter found support in the Mutual Aid Society, created back in 1876 and numbering only 128 members at the time of its creation. In 1891 there were already 400 people in it. The leader of the organization was the intellectual Pietro Franciosi (1864–1935), an active supporter of political reforms back in the 1880s. put forward the idea of ​​reviving Arengo. Using part of the income from a savings bank opened in 1892, the Mutual Aid Society expanded its activities to various corners of the social sphere. A grain warehouse for the poor and unemployed was opened (1891), a cheap canteen (1894), labor cooperatives and the Women's Mutual Aid Society (1900), a cash fund for the elderly and disabled workers and the Mount Titano Greening Society (1902), a consortium of workers' houses (1910) , mechanical bakery (1911), Trustee Society at the School of Arts and Crafts (1913), vocational school (1916), etc.

In 1892–1896, the socialists formed a political party, and already in 1898 they openly put forward the goal of “gradually transforming the existing regime into one of the forms of republican democracy.” P. Franciosi proposed restoring the original rights of Arengo, abolishing the nobility, introducing universal suffrage, changing the relationship between church and state and introducing a single income tax. The struggle for representative democracy unfolded under the guise of a campaign to restore Arengo's rights. In 1899 it was formulated Petition in support of Arengo, and a corresponding campaign was launched.

At the beginning of the 20th century. The social situation in the country worsened even more. The state budget deficit increased continuously. The population increasingly listened to demands for political reforms.

In April 1902, three members of the Great General Council made a proposal to introduce the institution of a popular referendum. During subsequent discussions, it was noted that there was no need to introduce new political institutions in the country and it would be more logical to return to Arengo. This slogan became a unifying slogan for all reformist forces. On March 15, 1903, the Sanmarine Democratic Association (SDA) was created, which put forward demands for the restoration of popular sovereignty and Arengo, the holding of referendums, the implementation of periodic elections of members of the Grand General Council, the democratization of the state and the separation of church and state. The newspaper “Il Titano” became the organ of the SDA, which quickly gained popularity.

Trying to disarm the reformers, the authorities carried out tax reform and took out a loan of 200 thousand liras to eliminate the budget deficit. But financial scandals soon came to light, and the situation worsened again. In September 1905, progressive-minded members of the Great General Council resigned, protesting against the conservative course of the government. In October, supporters of the reforms convened an “open people's assembly”, which was attended by many citizens of San Marino. The “Committee for Arengo” was formed, headed by lawyer Gustavo Babboni and P. Franciosi. He demanded the resignation of the government and the convocation of Arengo. Yielding to public pressure, the authorities were forced to agree to hold Arengo on March 26, 1906 in the form of a referendum to answer the question of whether the population wanted to change the country's constitution. 805 heads of families gathered for this meeting. Most of them were in favor of holding periodic elections of members of the Grand General Council.

On June 10, 1906, the first general elections were held, in which the “Electoral Committee”, formed on the basis of the “Committee for Arengo,” achieved success. However, there was no clear majority in the new parliament. The Socialists, who stood on the far left flank of the reform movement, received 5 seats in the Council. They proposed a list of necessary changes, starting with the separation of church and state.

The new authorities entered into an agreement with Italy that provided San Marino with more favorable customs payments, organized an international lottery, which significantly replenished the state treasury, introduced the metric system of measures, abolished the privileges of holders of noble titles, and also adopted a new law granting citizenship to foreigners.

However, the anti-clerical demands of the socialists did not meet with the understanding of their more moderate democratic allies. At the end of 1907, their coalition collapsed, and the socialists left the “democratic group” in the Council. In 1908, by-elections were held for the five vacant seats, and the Socialists were successful. They called for the abolition of the teaching of God's law in schools and the introduction of elections of captain-regents by members of the Council (until then determined by lot). The Grand General Council voted to introduce the post of Inspector of Public Services (in reality, he took up his duties only in 1913), and in 1909 adopted laws regulating the work of guides (this marked the beginning of the development of tourism) and transport.

On October 8, 1908, the teaching of God's law in the primary schools of the republic was abolished. On August 3, 1909, this decision was officially approved by the Council.

Outraged Catholics, relying on the support of rural residents, intensified their work in the Great General Council, and on May 16, 1909 they established the Sanmarin Catholic Union (SCU). He declared his task to be the defense of Catholicism and traditional Sanmarinian institutions. But partial elections in June did not change the overall political situation. In September 1909, the post of Secretary of State for Internal Affairs was taken by the socialist Giuseppe Forcellini.

Catholics and conservatives began a bitter campaign against the government majority. From the beginning of 1910, they organized mass rallies, and also began to develop their own social program, create their own social insurance funds, etc. On February 26, when the Council was discussing the law on civil servants, Catholics organized a mass demonstration of peasants protesting against the introduction of benefits for employees. The protest marchers attacked the Captain Regents and Progressive Deputies and laid siege to the Council building. However, the demonstrators eventually lifted the siege and dispersed. On March 20, a meeting of members of the Great General Council, as a compromise, called on the parties to show restraint, recommended that the Council adopt a law on civil servants and manage the republic’s economy with more skill. After this, the tension subsided somewhat. In July, Catholics achieved significant success in partial elections to the Council.

Political infighting hampered the implementation of reforms. In 1910, only laws on civil servants and primary schools were adopted; in 1911, the reform process slowed down. In May 1911, anti-clericals refused to take part in partial elections. Only in 1912 did a regrouping of political forces take place. In May, the socialists proposed holding early re-elections of the entire composition of the Great General Council, Catholics called for the convening of a new Arengo to discuss the current situation and the law adopted by the Council on filling vacant church posts. Protesting against him, the Sanmarinian clergy threatened to close all churches in the country. In June, Catholics boycotted the elections of a third of the Council members and disrupted them in a number of areas. In September, the Socialists and various factions of the Democrats agreed to create a Democratic Bloc with a common program. A new round of elections in September failed to fill vacant seats on the Council as Catholics continued their boycott. And only in November the vote brought complete triumph to the Democratic bloc. This success was confirmed in partial elections in April and November 1913.

The government of the Democratic Bloc obtained an increase in customs duties from Italy, signed an agreement on the supply of electricity to San Marino, and began construction of a water pipeline. However, in June 1914 the socialists failed to achieve the adoption of a new tax law. The democratic bloc began to disintegrate.

Another aggravation of the political situation occurred in connection with the revolutionary uprising in Italy in June 1914 (“Red Week”). After its suppression, many Italian revolutionaries (socialists and anarchists) took refuge in San Marino. The country's socialists defended granting them asylum, while Catholics strongly objected. Workers' demonstrations took place in the republic. Ultimately, the Democrats broke their alliance with the Socialists and aligned themselves with the Catholics.

The First World War and the Fascist Dictatorship.

During the First World War, 15 Sanmarin volunteers took part in actions on the side of the Entente. At the front there was a military hospital with Sanmarine personnel. Although military operations did not directly affect the country, the war had a major impact on its economic and social situation. The opportunity to emigrate disappeared, hundreds of emigrants returned to their homeland. Inflation has increased sharply. In 1915, due to the danger of famine, the government confiscated crops to guarantee the population a minimum food supply. In November 1916, fixed prices for food products were introduced in San Marino, and in 1918, the Autonomous Administration for Consumption was organized to combat profiteering. But the results of these measures were insufficient. In 1918, unemployment increased. In the summer there were mass strikes and popular protests against high prices. In partial elections in June 1918, the bloc of rightists, Republicans and Catholics won 14 of 24 seats.

After the end of the war, unemployment continued to rise, and only in the early 1920s was this problem mitigated by renewed emigration. Social difficulties contributed to the aggravation of the political situation. Since November 1918, strikes of employees and workers took place. demanding improvement of material conditions. Radical sentiments grew in the socialist movement, which weakened the Socialist Party, which did not achieve success in partial elections in August 1919. During the same period, the Catholic People's Party (PP) took shape in San Marino. At the Arengo session, the party demanded a complete renewal of the Grand General Council based on universal suffrage and proportional representation. The PP supported measures to establish fixed prices for grain, but in 1920 it expressed support for peasant protests against this measure.

The PP achieved the dissolution of the Council and the holding of new general elections in November 1920. It won a landslide victory, winning 29 of the 60 seats; 18 seats went to the socialists and 13 to the democrats. Since the Socialists refused to take seats in the Council, by-elections were held in April 1921, and the PP now had an absolute majority. In the same year, the socialist party split: the Sanmarine communists organized their own party.

During the onset of fascism in Italy in the early 1920s, many socialists and anarchists fleeing fascist terror found refuge in San Marino. In the summer of 1921, fearing reprisals from the Italian fascists, the government of San Marino took measures to restrict democratic freedoms. It introduced censorship of the press, stationed the Italian Carabinieri in the republic and abolished the right to asylum. Most of the 189 political emigrants were arrested and handed over to Italian authorities; only a few were able to stay in the country until August 1921.

In the summer of 1922, fascist troops began terror in San Marino. In September they destroyed the People's House in Serraval. The fascists, led by Manlio Gozzi, attacked trade union premises and the homes of left-wing politicians and activists. P. Franciosi, socialist leader Gino Giacomini and many others were forced to leave the country. In October 1922, the Socialist Party actually ceased to exist, and its newspaper ceased publication. The fascists achieved the dissolution of the Great General Council; At the new elections in March 1923, a single list of candidates was nominated - the “Patriotic Bloc”, which also included members of the PP and Democrats. However, the NP was soon forced to declare that its members were “returning to religion”; its publication ceased.

During 1923, the Nazis created an organizational structure consisting of 14 city committees and local branches. A repressive apparatus was formed. By 1926, the establishment of an open fascist dictatorship in San Marino was completed. The establishment of the dictatorial regime was accompanied by the adoption of various discriminatory laws, including the law of 1928, according to which a resident of the country who married a foreigner lost her San Marino citizenship.

The rule of the fascists did not lead to a significant change in the socio-economic structure of the country. There was no modernization of the economy. In the 1940s, only five small industrial enterprises operated in San Marino: a paper mill, a tannery, a pasta factory and branches of two Italian firms. The only significant undertaking can be considered the construction in 1932, with the help of Italy, of an electrified railway 32 km long, connecting San Marino with the Italian city of Rimini. From 17 km. A significant part of the routes passing through the country were through tunnels under Mount Titano. Power was still in the hands of the old oligarchic groups, primarily the Gozzi family. At the head of the state were the captain-regents, who now became members of the fascist party. The Supreme Sovereign Council became the legislative body. In 1939, San Marino and Italy confirmed a treaty of friendship.

World War II and the fall of the fascist regime.

Until the early 1940s, there was no organized opposition movement in San Marino. Only after 1941 did underground groups of communists, socialists and other anti-fascists begin to emerge in the country. The state remained neutral in the war, but after 1942 its consequences began to affect the economy. On January 1, 1943, bread cards were introduced; The black market, smuggling and food speculation flourished. After the fall of the fascist regime of Mussolini in Italy, on July 27, 1943, the fascist captains-regents proclaimed the dissolution of the fascist party and assumed full power. On July 28, a massive popular demonstration took place, convened on the initiative of communists, socialists and democrats. About 3 thousand people took part in it, demanding the resignation of the pro-fascist government. The delegation they formed held negotiations with the captain-regents Michelotti and Manzoni, during which an agreement was reached on the dissolution of the Supreme Sovereign Council and the appointment of a regency council to hold free elections to the Grand General Council. The liquidation of the fascist regime was officially announced. Political emigrants began to return to the country, including the socialist leader G. Giacomini, who was also included in the regency council. A mass anti-fascist organization was created - the Freedom Committee. The Council canceled all decrees, decrees, appointments and awards of authorities that followed in the period from January 1, 1923 to July 27, 1943, appointed an emergency control commission to investigate the activities of fascist figures, etc. In the elections to the Grand General Council on September 5, 1943, the Freedom Committee list won a complete victory.

But the fate of democracy in San Marino now depended on military-political events in Italy. Fleeing from the fighting in 1943–1944, about 100 thousand refugees from neighboring Italian regions found refuge on the territory of the republic. After Mussolini, relying on German support, created the government of the “Italian Social Republic” in Northern Italy in September 1943, the fascists in San Marino became more active again. They seized the government palace and demanded the resignation of the elected government. As a result, a “reconciliation pact” was signed, and on October 23, a new government body, the State Council, was formed with the participation of fascist leaders. At the end of October, the country was visited by German Field Marshal General E. Rommel, who was received by the country's leadership. He assured the republic of his sympathy and promised to guarantee its safety.

On October 28, the Grand General Council officially transferred powers to the Council of State. The new regime introduced sanctions against those who provided assistance to prisoners of war and deserters from warring armies who took refuge in San Marino. Anti-fascists were periodically arrested. Italian fascist and German military forces invaded the country, seized food from the population, searched the homes of families sheltering refugees, confiscated vehicles and arrested prisoners of war. Communists, socialists and other anti-fascists had to act under the legal cover of the People's Union.

In January 1944, the Fascist Party was officially re-established, led by Giuliano Gozzi. However, the fascists failed to get their supporters elected as captain regents on April 1, 1944. Despite San Marino's neutrality, the country was subjected to Allied air raids on June 26, 1944. The bombing killed about 60 people. Tension grew as the fighting approached the borders of the republic. Despite protests and objections, on September 4 the German command placed its artillery batteries on Sanmarinian territory, and the Allies responded with a raid on Serravalle. On September 19–20, fierce fighting took place on the lands between German units and the forces of the British 5th Army; The country suffered heavy damage. For two months the republic remained occupied.

On September 23, 1944, the Grand General Council canceled the transfer of powers to the Council of State and resumed the exercise of supreme power. The Freedom Committee was restored, and the publication of printed organs of various parties resumed. In March 1945, the Committee won a complete victory in the elections to the Grand General Council, winning 40 out of 60 seats (including 18 going to the Communist Party). The right-wing Sanmarino Democratic Union won 20 seats.

Republic of San Marino after World War II.

Left forces were in power in the republic until 1957. The main parties of the ruling coalition remained the Sanmarinsky Communist Party (SMCP) and the Sanmarinsky Socialist Party (SMSP), whose representatives held the posts of captain-regents. The left government, which won the general elections in 1951 and 1955, carried out a number of reforms: some enterprises were nationalized, 1/4 of the mountain lands were developed, an agrarian reform was carried out, as a result of which the hired agricultural worker had to receive at least 60% of the total harvest, new ones were opened schools.

In an effort to achieve greater economic independence and solve financial problems, the government decided in 1950 to open a casino and begin building powerful radio and television stations. In response, Italy declared a blockade of the republic, which was lifted at the end of 1951. In 1953, San Marino and Italy signed an agreement according to which San Marino refused such construction in exchange for regular monetary compensation.

In 1957, an acute political crisis broke out in the country. There was a split in the SMSP; a breakaway group of "independent socialists" entered into an alliance with the opposition parties - the Christian Democrats (CDA, existed since 1948) and the Social Democrats (SDP, formed in 1955). The left-wing coalition lost its majority in the Grand General Council; Captain Regents Primo Marani (Communist) and Giordano Giacomini (Socialist) dissolved Parliament on September 18, announcing new elections under international supervision. However, the opposition refused to accept this decision. Italy came out in support of the opposition. On September 28, Italian carabinieri with tanks and armored vehicles blocked the republic. On September 30, the Christian Democratic Party, the Social Democratic Party and the Independent Socialists created a parallel provisional government in the village of Roveretto and announced the removal of the captains-regents. It was recognized by Italy and the USA. The authorities turned to the UN, but, unable to withstand the blockade, surrendered. The government of the republic resigned, yielding, as Secretary of State for Internal Affairs Morganti said, to “force and violence.” On October 12, San Marino was occupied by the Italian Carabinieri, and on October 24, the Christian Democrats and their allies appointed new captains-regents and a new government. The winners put former captain regents and other left-wing figures on trial, accused the communists of organizing a conspiracy, and introduced a state of emergency in 1958. The electoral law was changed, and Sanmarinians living abroad gained the right to vote by mail (abolished in 1966). This electoral reform allowed the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats to win the 1959 general elections. Their coalition won elections in 1964 and 1969 and remained in power until 1973.

Since the late 1950s, there has been rapid economic growth, associated primarily with the development of tourism and the service sector. Industrial enterprises also began to be built. An increasing number of people left work on the land and became employees and workers.

At the beginning of 1973, the ruling coalition of the Christian Democratic Party and the Social Democratic Party collapsed. In March 1973, a new government was formed from representatives of Christian Democrats, socialists and a small group called the Movement for the Defense of Fundamental Freedoms. Parliament passed a law giving women the right to serve in parliament and government. In the 1974 elections, leftist parties achieved success. But the government was again formed by the Christian Democratic Party and the SMSP.

The new ruling coalition turned out to be fragile. The country was experiencing significant economic and financial difficulties during this period, and there were disagreements between government parties on how to overcome them. In November 1975, the Socialists recalled their representatives from the cabinet, and the coalition was restored only in March 1976. The government decided to increase taxes and customs duties. However, disagreements between the parties persisted, and in November 1977 the Socialists again left the government cabinet. Early elections to the Grand General Council were called in May 1978, which were won by the left parties - SMKP, SMSP and the Socialist Unity Party (formed in 1976 by the left wing of the SDP). They won 31 of the 60 seats and formed the new government of San Marino. His program provided for broad reforms in various areas of life, but it was not possible to fully implement it. In an effort to expand its minimal majority in parliament, the ruling coalition also attracted Social Democrats to participate in the cabinet in September 1981.

Despite the difficulties, the left government managed to increase employment by 9% by 1983 and reduce the number of unemployed from 6% to 4.3% of the working population. A master plan for the socio-economic development of the republic was adopted, school and public administration reform began, and pension provision was improved. In May 1983, the SMKP, SMSP and the Socialist Unity Party (SUP) again won the general elections (32 out of 60 seats). In October 1984, the Grand General Council adopted a tax reform requiring all citizens to declare the amount of their income. The government sought from Italy a review of the radio and television restrictions imposed on San Marino. In 1985, a law establishing a state university was approved.

The political situation remained unstable, as the opposition Christian Democratic Party pursued a course of confrontation with the left coalition. The government was undermined by financial scandals in which representatives of SMSP and SEP were accused. On June 11, 1986 the government fell. For the first time in the history of the republic, on July 26, a cabinet of Christian Democrats and Communists was formed. The program was based on the “moral issue” (overcoming financial scandals), economic development and the fight against youth unemployment. The government remained in power after general elections in 1988, promising to modernize the structures of government institutions and promote development in the socio-economic field.

In October 1987, San Marino signed two agreements with Italy. In accordance with the first, one of the paragraphs of the 1953 agreement concerning radio and television was abolished. Under the second agreement, Italy allowed San Marino to have a state television center, but received the opportunity for 15 years to directly participate in its organization and activities on an equal basis with the Sanmarine side. Italy provided San Marino with special conditions for a loan of 12 billion liras for the creation of a television station and pledged to pay 6 billion liras annually for its maintenance.

In the early 1990s, the country's political scene changed again. In 1990, the SMKP decided to abandon Marxist ideology and transform into the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP); Left circles dissatisfied with this decision formed the Communist Revival party. In February 1992, the Christian Democrats changed their partner in the ruling coalition. They formed a new government with the participation of SMSP. The CDA and the Socialists won landslide victories in the 1993 and 1998 elections, while the influence of the former communists was declining.

In 1999, the government attempted to change the citizenship law. Parliament decided that in the future, Sanmarinian citizenship will be transmitted not only through the paternal, but also through the maternal line, and the 13 thousand Sanmarinians living abroad will have to formally declare whether they want to remain citizens of the republic. Such measures could double the number of voters. Dissatisfied with this, the opposition parties of the Progressive Democrats and the People's Alliance spoke out against the reform and initiated a referendum. The popular vote brought defeat to the government.

San Marino in the 21st century

The elections to the Grand General Council in 2001 generally maintained the same balance of political forces: the ruling coalition of Christian Democrats and Socialists received 40 of the 60 seats, 12 went to the Democratic Party (former communists), 5 to the People's Alliance, 2 to the Communist Revival, and 1 – the far-right National Alliance.

This situation in the balance of political forces remains quite stable in the country.

In 2011, two new captain-regents, the representative of the Christian Democratic Party Gabriele Gatti and Matteo Fiorini from the Popular Alliance, took the oath.

Literature:

Pechnikov B.A. The numbers on the map indicate... M., 1986
Dakhin V.N. Republic of San Marino. M., 1989



Country, republic, capital, bearing one name - San Marino. Sounds like the answer for the experts in “What? Where? When?". But this question is not for them. The result is too obvious. This mini-state has no similar ones on the world map. There are more miniature ones (Monaco), there are those surrounded on all sides by water (Nauru), those representing one religion (Vatican), small and poor (Tuvalu).

The Republic of San Marino is prosperous, democratic and problem-free. It is also beautiful, with a unique geographical position. Wherever you look from the highest (on its territory) mountain peak, Italy is everywhere. A state with which, like a Siamese twin, we have a lot in common. Borders, language, culture, currency, religion. But there are also many differences. Could it be otherwise in a country that has had the proud status of the Republic of San Marino for more than seven hundred years? And no winds of history could deprive the people of their individuality.

"I leave you free"

According to legend, these words belong to the stonemason Marin. This extraordinary man, remaining faithful to his religion, fled from persecution of the pagans from one of the islands of the Adriatic Sea. It was to the spurs of the Apennines, to the three-headed mountain of Monte Titano that his fate led him. Here he founded a monastery, around which a settlement was formed. The history of San Marino, its famous capital, began.

Marin's strength of spirit, purity of thoughts, kindness and hard work attracted many like-minded people to him. This is how an independent commune was formed, the guiding thread of life for which was spiritual priorities, the Christian religion. But politics, territorial claims, and other worldly problems were alien to these people.

The canonized founder left a legacy to the Sanmarinians of wonderful moral behests and his name. The literal translation of the country's name is the Most Serene Republic of San Marino. And this is the only state on the world map that has an exact date of birth - September 3, 301.

Country of Three Peaks

The three peaks of Monte Titano with three fortress towers on them are decorated with the coat of arms of the state. The country's territory is about 62 square meters. km. Most of them are hilly slopes, with flat areas at most 17%.

In a small area, 9 administrative centers manage to coexist. The most populous cities are Serravalle and Borgo Maggiore. The capital is only the third on the list, with about 5 thousand inhabitants. The population of the remaining “regional castles,” as they are officially called in the country, is no more than a thousand people each.

Each of them is interesting in its own way. So knowledgeable tourists try to find suitable transport in order to explore all the populated areas of the state in a short time. But the most significant objects are the city of San Marino and Mount Monte Titano. They are recognized as unique and are included in the UNESCO list as one of the rarest on the world map.

Roads of San Marino

Transport in the Republic of San Marino is also unique. There are only 220 kilometers of roads on the country's map. But they are arranged in such a way that all three million tourists (annually) have time to admire every corner of the mini-state without any problems. There are only 10 republican taxis, the rest come from Italy - such is the ground internal transport.

From mountain to mountain, as well as to neighboring towns, they cheerfully equip those who wish to go with cable car cabins. Their number is small. Just three cabins circle the slopes, arriving every 15 minutes on schedule. Sanmarinians call them “gondolas”. Maybe from a slight longing for the surface of the water. To the sea - 13 kilometers. There are no other bodies of water except the pretty city fountain in San Marino.

Transport that brings tourists to the country itself from Italy is regular buses from the city of Rimini. Rimini has an international airport and a train station. Wealthier tourists have the opportunity to use the services of helicopters. There is a heliport in the town of Borgo Maggiore.

But inveterate travelers who know a lot about beauty and relaxation assure that the best transport is feet. Only through walking will you be able to enjoy the richness, beauty and uniqueness of the natural world of San Marino.

Frozen Middle Ages

The population of San Marino has hardly increased for many centuries. The country protects its traditions, borders, and religion. One detail: to obtain citizenship, you need to live here for 30 years. Now the number is a little more than 29 thousand people. 96% of them profess the Catholic religion. But they get along well with those who have a different faith.

The architecture of cities and historical monuments is preserved in amazing pristine condition. The culture of San Marino, despite its proximity to Italy, has a distinct identity. The watchtowers crowning the famous three peaks are unique in their location. Each village and commune cherishes the buildings of the past like the apple of their eye. And the “Medieval Festival”, held here in July, is a real “time machine”. During the amazing procession, the Sanmarinians recreate the atmosphere, style, ambience, and spirit of the Middle Ages. It is during this period that the largest number of guests arrive here.

The scope and splendor of the celebration can only be compared with the national celebration on September 3 on the occasion of the birth of the state.

And only currency does not allow the Sanmarinians to become isolated in their exclusivity. Here, as in Italy, the euro is used. What can you do, it is impossible to separate from the world economy. But even here, resourceful patriots found a way out. Coins in denominations of “one” and “two” cents have elements of national symbols. This became possible after the conclusion of a special agreement with the European Union on currency.

San Marino is the oldest state in Europe, existing within its borders since 301 AD. e. Refers to dwarf states - the most tiny state of the European continent after the Order of Malta, the Vatican and Monaco.

It is located on the territory of Italy and has an open border with Italy, but at the same time it represents absolutely independent full-fledged state. Independence has been the slogan of San Marino throughout 17 centuries of its turbulent history.

Basic information

San Marino is located 22 km from Italy, on the slope of Mount Titano, 750 m high. The area of ​​the country is 60 square meters. km, population - 32 thousand people, 19% Italians and 80% Sanmarinians. The population speaks Italian, 93% are Catholics. The climate is Mediterranean with mild winters (-4-6 ºС) and cool summers (24 ºС).

Borders: surrounded by Italy.

Full title: Most Serene Republic of San Marino.

Capital: San Marino, population 4 thousand, founded in 301 AD. e.

Sources of income: tourism, winemaking, textile production, ceramics.

How to get there: from Piazza Marvelli to Rimini by bus, about 1 hour, round trip ticket – 9 euros. The trip from Rimini by car will take 20-30 minutes.

History of the Most Serene Republic

The founding date of San Marino (both the capital and the state itself) is considered to be September 3, 301 AD, when a certain Marinus (Marino), a stonecutter, climbed Mount Titano. a Christian who fled persecution by the Roman authorities.

He built a cell on the mountain and withdrew from the world. He was joined by his followers, who became the first inhabitants of the state.

History milestones:

• from its foundation until the 10th century. the tiny state is subject to raids by the Hungarians, Saracens, Byzantines and Normans;
• 10th century – the community of San Marino officially for the first time mentioned in chronicles as a republic;
• 1243 - 2 consuls or captain-regents were appointed to govern the state,
which are replaced every 6 months. (this form of government has survived to this day);
• 1249 – Sanmarinis join the Ghibellines(supporters of strengthening the power of the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire), for which Pope Innocent IV curses them;
• in 1600 the Sanmarines adopted a Constitution;
• 1739 - the country is captured by the troops of Pope Clement II, who soon ends the occupation and signs a peace agreement with the republic;
• 1797 – Napoleon captures Italy and kindly invites the rulers of San Marino to expand the territory at the expense of the Italian lands he captured - the leaders of San Marino reject the offer;
• 1815 - the independence of the republic is confirmed by the Congress of Vienna;
• 1915 - San Marino, together with Italy, enters the war against Austria-Hungary and sends 15 soldiers to the front;
• October 1922 – fascists come to power;
• On June 22, 1944, the country was bombed by British aircraft, killing 63 people;
• August 10, 1944 - the state is occupied by German troops;
• On September 21, 1944, the country was liberated by Anglo-American troops;
• 1945–1959 – The country is ruled by a coalition of communists and socialists;
• 1959 – a bloodless “right-wing” coup takes place, Christian Democrats come to power;
• 1978 - the communists take revenge;
• from 1986 to this day, the country is ruled by an alliance of democrats, communists and socialists;
• 2002 – San Marino lira are withdrawn from circulation and the euro is introduced in the country.

Guess if there is a ? This is a unique country - the oldest in Europe.

Beautiful architectural monuments and unusual museums - Turin has it all. By going, you can see the places that are definitely worth visiting.

Interesting facts

Some surprising facts about San Marino:

• Although the population is less than 40 thousand, the tourism sector employs 2 million people, and the number of tourists visiting this tiny country each year is reaches 3 million
• Russian tourists are such frequent visitors to this miniature state that the shops have signs in Russian, and the cafeteria of San Marino's largest outlet, ARCA, serves borscht. The outlet itself, located in a huge hangar, according to some reviews, resembles the Central Department Store from the times of the USSR.
• Up to 2010 the republic was offshore.
• Postage stamps of the Most Serene Republic are highly valued among philatelists and bring 10% of revenue to the country's budget.
• The republic is not part of the EU, nor is it part of the Schengen zone (although a visa is not required to get to San Marino from Italy).
• Obtaining citizenship of this country is not easy: you must either be born here, or have lived for at least 30 years, or have special merits to the state, for example, promoting local culture.

The dwarf state of San Marino is one of the smallest and at the same time one of the oldest in Europe: it has existed for more than 17 centuries, and all this time it has remained independent - it is not for nothing that the word “Freedom” is inscribed on the flag of San Marino. The state was able to maintain its independence even during the Napoleonic wars. By the way, the first Constitution was adopted here – in 1600. The official name of the country is the Most Serene Republic of San Marino.

General information

Where is San Marino? Inside Italy: it is an enclave and borders the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Marche.

The state was founded by a stonemason (according to another version, a monk) Christian Marinus, who fled here from the Croatian island of Rab from persecution and created a community of free Christian masons here. The official founding day of the state is September 3, 301; This holiday is celebrated on a grand scale in the state. It is believed that it was Marinus (Marino) who became the discoverer of quarries, first carving out a small cell in the rock for solitary prayers. Marino was later recognized as a saint and is now considered the patron saint of the state.

The area of ​​the state is 61 km², the population of San Marino is just over 32 thousand people. Citizenship of the state can only be obtained by a person born in San Marino and having at least one citizen parent, or for special merits; These include investments in the economy or culture of a country and its propaganda in the world (for example, this is how journalist Dmitry Krylov, author of “Unlucky Notes,” received citizenship of this country). Marriage to a citizen of San Marino does not give the right to quickly obtain citizenship - it will be possible to obtain it only after having been married for at least 15 years. You can obtain citizenship after a fairly long period - 35 years! - residence in the country.

Capital. The capital of the state of San Marino is, which bears the same name. Just over 4 thousand people live in the capital. In the capital there are government agencies, newspaper editorial offices and a printing house, and the National Central Bureau - the local representative office of Interpol. The entire territory of the capital, together with the fortress, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Religion. In San Marino, the dominant religion is Catholicism - it is professed by about 93% of the inhabitants. There are also representatives of other religions here - for example, in 2010, 16 residents were Muslims.

Official language San Marino is Italian, although only just under 13% of the residents are Italian. The majority of the population are Sanmarinians (more than 85%). Other languages ​​spoken in San Marino include French, German and even Esperanto. About 2/3 of the population of San Marino is of working age - from 15 to 64 years.

Culture San Marino is akin to Italian - apparently, it was the Italians who at one time made up the bulk of the community created by Saint Marino, and they came from Tuscany, since the Sanmarinos speak precisely this dialect of the Italian language.

Currency San Marino - euro, previously, from 1860 to 2002, the San Marino lira was used, equal to the Italian one, and only coins were issued, and Italian banknotes were used. Both Italian and Vatican coins were in free circulation in the country, as were San Marino coins in Italy and the Vatican. Today, San Marino issues commemorative coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 euro cents, as well as 1 and 2 euros. By the way, commemorative 2-euro coins issued by countries belonging to the eurozone usually cost from 3 to 30 euros, and coins of San Marino are valued from 35 to 100 euros.

Weather. San Marino has a Mediterranean climate, but due to its elevated position, it can get quite cold at night in winter: if the average daily temperature in winter is about +4°C, then at night it can drop to -6°C. Winters have little snow; if snow falls, it does not last long. The weather in San Marino is mostly sunny with little precipitation. The rainiest months are autumn. In summer the heat is not exhausting. The best time to visit San Marino is in the summer and September.

Political and social structure

San Marino is a state with a high social level; the average salary is 3 thousand euros, while a doctor receives about 7 thousand, a teacher - more than 5 thousand. Secondary education and medicine in the country are free.

The form of government of San Marino is a republic. The executive branch is represented by two Captain Regents; they are appointed by the Great General Council, the term of office of each is six months: one performs his duties from April 1 to October 1, the second from October 1 to April 1. The Great General Council is a parliament; he is elected for a term of 5 years; it consists of 60 deputies.

There are 7 law enforcement agencies in the country - the Guard of the Grand General Council, whose task is to ensure the security of parliament and the Captain-Regents (including the guards who guard the Government Palace), the gendarmerie, a special police detachment that maintains order in special circumstances, the civilian police consisting of the volunteers, the Rocca Guard and the Rocca Special Guard (the first most often participates in various festive ceremonies, the second is something between the Constitutional Court and the border troops).

By the way, the crime rate in the state is one of the lowest in Europe.

Sights of the capital

Almost all of the most famous ones are located in the capital of the state.

The central square of the city is called. It is decorated with the Government Palace, built in the 19th century in the neo-Gothic style according to the design of the Italian architect Francesco Azzurri. The building hosts meetings of the national government and the city mayor's office. Tourists can tour the building from the inside on days when there are no meetings, and admire the luxurious interiors of the Voting Hall and the Council Hall. It is worth going up to the roof along the spiral staircase - from the roof you can see a magnificent view of the city. However, the building deserves to be examined from the outside, especially since there are guards standing around it in very colorful old uniforms. The facade is decorated with a figurine of St. Marino.

Another attraction that has become the hallmark of the city is The Statue of Liberty, located in the same area. It was made of white marble in 1876 by sculptor Stefano Galetti. Under the square there are containers for collecting rainwater; they have been preserved since the 15th century.

The main state temple is built between 1826 and 1838 in the neoclassical style on the site of an old church dating back to the 4th century, also dedicated to St. Marino. The old church was demolished due to the fact that it was completely dilapidated and practically could not be restored.

The author of the new temple project is the architect Aquilla Serra. The pediment is decorated with the inscription “To Saint Marino, the patron saint who brought freedom. Senate and people." The church is active. Its interior is decorated with ancient statues and unique paintings, as well as 16 Corinthian columns. The decoration of the main altar is a statue of St. Marino, and part of his relics is buried under the altar (the other part is located on the island of Rab, where he was born). Also in the basilica is the Regent's Throne, dating from the early 17th century.

Very close to it there is a very old church, preserved from the 6th century - St. Andrew's Church, which, in addition to its “venerable age”, is famous for the fact that it was a refuge for Giuseppe Garibaldi and his wife Anita in 1849.

Within the city limits there are several, among which -, which contains more than 750 paintings and photographs, the Nature Center, where you can see exhibitions dedicated to the flora and fauna of San Marino, as well as ancient fossil animals that lived on the territory of the state. There is also a place in the city center where you can learn about the history of San Marino. More than 5 thousand ancient exhibits are stored here, including a manuscript by Leonardo da Vinci dedicated to the design of an aircraft.

What else you should definitely see in San Marino is the Crossbowmen's Quarry, an open-air sculpture museum. The original name is associated with crossbow competitions that took place here in the Middle Ages and continue to this day.

Fortress towers

• the country has a regular army, the number of which is... about 100 people;
• the most common combination of first and last names among residents is Marco Gasperoni; In general, the name Marco is the second most common male name in the country, with the name Andrea in first place.

How to get to San Marino?

You can get to San Marino by bus from Italy, from the city of Rimini. The fare is 7 euros and the time is about 40 minutes. You can also get here by car - to do this, take the SS72 highway. Before the Second World War, there was also a railway here, but then it ceased to function and the track was dismantled. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the registration rules before planning your trip (the state is located in the visa area of ​​Italy).