San Marino rests on a mountain-top surrounded by Italy. When Garibaldi united Italy from many small countries and kingdoms, the San Marino citizens begged to be left alone. Because they had supported him and his troops during his war for unification, he agreed to leave them out as they desired.
San Marino issues its own stamps and currency. Though Italian is its official language, it is in every way independent. It elects two presidents a year, each serving only six months, for "to leave a man in charge longer invites tyranny." Hmmmm?
The United States and San Marino have long had cordial relations. The US recognized San Marino in 1861 when that country made President Lincoln an honorary citizen.
Some of their recent postage stamps feature well-known figures.
This small arena is where they practice their crossbow, a sport in which this tiny country excels. "We're small but we're proud of being small!" A parade of medieval sorts leads off the festivities!
 |
| Crossbowmen of San Marino |
 |
| the Basilica (the only church in town) |
 |
| Town Hall |
The Palazzo Pubblico (Public Palace) is the town hall of the City of San Marino as well as its official Government Building.
This is the "third tower", a remnant of the earlier castle, and the location for our San Marino geocache. We attempted and succeeded in getting at least one cache in each new country.
 |
| Local inhabitant who watches over the geocache |
Back to the ship and another night of rest before Croatia.
No comments:
Post a Comment