Saturday, October 1, 2016

San Marino.....A Country Right In The Middle Of Italy.....

Today we left Italy to visit the nearby country of  San Marino, one of the smallest countries in the world. And the country is bordered on all sides by Italy.  It is a country within a country.

 According to legend, San Marino was founded in 301 AD by a Christian stonemason named Marinus who fled the island of Arbe and it's dictator.  He hid on the peak of Mount Titano and later teamed up with a group of people who all shared the same Christian beliefs.

Many believe that San Marino has been inhabited since prehistoric times, although actual evidence dates back only to the Middle Ages. The land was named the Republic of San Marino in honor of it's founder, Marinus.

Waiting For the Funivia (cable car)

Going Up





During the 19th century when Italy went through some unification San Marino became a place of refuge for many displaced Italians who were persecuted for their support of the cause. In their honor  the ruler of the area chose not to rejoin Italy and instead, remain and independent country. In 1988 San Marino joined the European union followed by the United Nations in 1992.

Views From The Top Of Mount Titano





Today San Marino relies heavily on tourism and as a result has low unemployment, no national debt and a even a surplus budget, thanks to people like us.

Located about two hours by car from the city of Umbertide, close to where we're staying, our GPS managed to find  the way.  The route was lined with lush, green mountains, rugged peaks and even some fall colors in the myriad of trees alongside the road. Far away from the hoards of tourists we had to admire this beautiful country and all that it has to offer. 

Stone Sculpture On Wall Above.....See The Horse











Once we crossed the border into the Republic of San Marino we followed the signs to the, "centro storico," or the historic part of town. From there we boarded a cable car that took us up Mount Titano for a spectacular view of the countryside below.  Mount Titano has three peaks and perched high upon each one is a tower that can be spotted from miles around. We walked the rocky, steep paths for hours exploring every inch of the lovely towers and admiring the views below. After ascending many stairs that lead to a ladder into the first tower I realized that if this is what it means to be a princess....I don't want to be one.




The Ladder Up The Tower



Our Favorite View


Going Down

A Hole With A Ladder

This magical place was loaded with paths leading to the towers, museums, shops, lookout points and so much more. When our legs had enough climbing we decided to call it a day and head back down the mountain.  While we never even know this place existed we are fortunate to have had the opportunity to explore it......along the gringo trail.



Clyde Was Fascinated With These Roots






Republic Of San Marino License Plate


Gelato With An Added Hat

Terry and Clyde are able to "Travel The World House Sitting"  and so can you!  We have created a website to help people who want to learn about house sitting.    Information for both the prospective house sitter and for someone who needs a house sitter.

the New Website                          -->  CLICK HERE

How to Get Your First House Sit -->  CLICK HERE

How to find a house sitter          ---->  CLICK HERE


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