The Republic of San Marino is a small republic on the slopes of Mount Titano, on the Adriatic side of central Italy, between the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Marche; it is surrounded by Italy on all sides. It is the world’s smallest republic, covering a total area of just 61 km². In 2008, Mount Titano and the historic centre of San Marino became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. San Marino is the oldest republic in Europe and every year, thousands of tourists come to visit its historic centre, with its traditional shops, ancient squares, palaces, museums, churches and well-preserved medieval stone houses. Mount Titano, with its three peaks topped by three ancient fortifications, can be seen from miles away. The three towers are connected by walkways and offer visitors spectacular panoramic views. In San Marino visitors can also enjoy local food and wine traditions. The streets of the old town offer a great selection of restaurants and pubs, serving traditional dishes and wines. The cuisine of San Marino is very similar to Italian cuisine, especially the cuisine typical of the adjoining Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions, and focuses on a fantastic selection of local products, ranging from wines to cheeses and liqueurs that are popular worldwide.
