• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

History of San Marino

The country of San Marino is said to have been founded in 301 AD when St. Marinus left his home off the Dalmatian coast (present-day Croatia) to escape religious persecution. The Christian St. Marinus eventually settled near Mt. Titano, which is today the location of San Marino.

Over the next few millennia, the Christian community at the base of Mt. Titano grew and in 1631 was recognized as an independent country by the Pope. When Napoleon invaded the Italian Peninsula in the late 1700s a regent from San Marino befriended Napoleon and hence guaranteed his country's freedom.

In the 1800s, as Italy was being slowly unified, San Marino served as a safe haven for those who supported unification. Due to this support, once the peninsula was unified, San Marino was granted its request to remain independent.

During World War I, San Marino remained neutral, a decision that created tension, but no violence, with Italy. San Marino again remained neutral during World War II (WWII), but was still bombed by the British as there was a belief that the Nazis were using the country as a weapons stronghold.

San Marino joined the Council of Europe in the 1980s and the United Nations in the 1990s, but has not elected to join the European Union (EU).

This page was last updated: March, 2013