Sept. 18; Day Trip to San Marino
An interesting spot on the map just north and west of Pesaro warranted a closer look. San Marino it turns out is the third smallest country in the world after the Vatican and Monaco. It is also “the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutionalĀ republic in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on 3 September 301, by stonecutterĀ Marinus of Arbe.” We decided we had to visit! A half hour train ride to the resort town of Rimini and an hour long bus ride to and up the slopes of Mount Titano brought us to the main city of San Marino. The weather wasn’t conducive to beautiful photos so mine will have to do, or find great images HERE.
We walked through the medieval stone lanes filled with shoppers looking for duty free bargains in all the shops lining the streets and came to the Piazza della Liberta to view the changing of the guards.
![IMGP2448a](http://rmjontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMGP2448a.jpg)
They guard the members of the Great and General Council, who apparently have to wear Disney costumes to perform their duties.
![IMGP2490a](http://rmjontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMGP2490a.jpg)
Approaching the first of three castle-like fortifications on Mnt. Titano that have protected the country of San Marino for centuries.