This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)

Visiting San Marino is a great classic for those who live in my neck of the woods, once also for Russian tourists.

Italy for centuries was divided into little states, so much so that for centuries even a single state did not seem conceivable. Even now there are as many as three legacies of the time that was in what might once have been considered Italic soil.

One state that is now included in French territory but was in Italian territory until not so long ago is the Principality of Monaco.

The most famous and smallest of the small states, but also the heir to a very extensive one until the union of Italy, is the Vatican State.

San Marino visit deserted, when it gives its best

The state that is inside Italy and right in Emilia-Romagna, bordering Marche is San Marino.

Around the world it is not widely known, but as small as it is (33,000 official residents), it is actually far too crowded with tourists. It is rich in history, so much so that it is considered the oldest republic still in existence. Unfortunately, most go there mostly for the outlet stores and shopping malls.

I find it lovely on winter mornings, when it emerges from the mists with its ‘unmistakable profile. Well before the stores with Chinese trinkets and department stores open.

More to see in Emilia-Romagna

But the rest of my region also offers a lot, beyond the beaches and discos; I’m talking about cities, the villages and the ‘Apennines.

The most interesting cities are Bologna, Ferrara and Ravenna. But many have something good, and by studying the itinerary you can add smaller places to go with the rest.

For some years now, on all the weekends when I am not out and about, I take the opportunity to get lost in the woods, especially in the Romagna Apennines, which I have quite close to home, and which always give me beautiful emotions.

Next stop What to do in Emilia-Romagna and San Marino?

Trips taken, travel stories divided by continent

Anecdotes, divided by type in travel narratives

Countries visited in my travel stories

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Fabio Viroli

Ho sempre avuto tante passioni, ma da sempre più o meno latenti, le principali sono viaggiare e scrivere. Tra le altre cose ho una laurea in psicologia; ho fatto per più di 30 anni l’allenatore di basket; leggo tanti libri; sono stato molto appassionato di sport e di musica rock; e faccio improvvisazione teatrale

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