A tiny country in Italy claims to be the continent’s oldest state – and it’s not the Vatican.
San Marino, the fifth smallest country is the world, is a small enclave on a cliff-top in the heart of the Mediterranean nation.
The landlocked country, which lies between the Italian states of Emilia-Romagna and Marche, is home to just 33,600 people as of 2022, and proudly claims to be the world’s oldest republic.
Though civilisations like China and Greece have roots dating back millennia, but changing borders and cultures mean most modern nations are technically quite young, according to Conde Nast Traveller.
But San Marino was founded over 17 centuries ago, and claims to long predate other sovereign nations.
The Vatican is equally unusual in being an independent state within a state, but only came into existence in 1929 following the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and Italy.
But it is the smallest state in the world – within an area of 0.19 miles. Monaco is the second smallest, measuring 0.8 square miles, though it is among the most densely populated.
Despite San Marino’s diminutive dimensions, the country welcomes a whopping two million visitors per year – close to 20 times the population.
However, the country is still keen to attract a bigger share of the 600m or so tourists that visit Europe annually.
There’s plenty to see, including the capital’s medieval walled old town with charming narrow cobblestone streets on the slopes of Monte Titano.
Within the mountain peaks that surround the town you can also find awe-inspiring citadels dating back to 11th century.
Unlike many of the crowded destinations Brits often flock to in the summer months, San Marino’s main attractions are its rich historical sites and architecture, making it a perfect choice for a relaxing trip.
Other highlights include the Palazzo Pubblico, a neo-gothic palace that serves as the country’s official seat of government, and Torre Cesta, an epic castle built in 13th century.
Today, the fortress is a treasure trove for history lovers, with a four-room museum dedicated to medieval armaments.
