With a 2005 population of 4,000, and climbing along the upper slopes of Mount Titano, the city of San Marino is the capital of The Most Serene Republic of San Marino, which is an independent city-state located in the Appenine Mountains in northern Italy. San Marino has the proud distinction of being the oldest extant democracy in the world, its Constitution having been written in 1600.

For centuries, San Marino was the only city in the country, but as the country expanded, other cities sprung up and it is now only third-largest, after Borgo Maggiore and Dogana. However, San Marino has the best monuments and the most history, and this along with the city’s many other assets make San Marino a huge tourist attraction, with over 3 million tourists per year.

San Marino was founded in the year 301, and became a place where Christian refugees fled from Roman persecution. Three towers, all which still remain, were constructed throughout the centuries to protect the city center. The first, Guaita, was constructed in the 11th century, and was considered to be impenetrable. Despite this reputation, a second tower, Cesta, was added in the 13th century, and a third, the Montale, was ultimately added in the 14th century. Guaita and Cesta are open to the public, with Cesta also housing a museum.

The fortified city center has very little automobile access, which adds to the medieval atmosphere that features winding cobbled lanes working their way up the mountain. There are an ample number of restaurants, cafes, shops, bars and panoramic views to keep any tourist entertained, and the unique layout adds a great flavor.

Be sure to visit the Public Palace (Pallazo Publico), which serves as town hall and government center. Also go to the Church of St. Francis, which contains an art gallery and museum. And take the cable car ride down to Borgo Maggiore. Lastly, indulge yourself in the national chocolate layer cake – appropriately called the cake of the Three Peaks.