San Marino

Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8 / 5)

San Marino claims to be the world's oldest republic, a small mountain fortress state entirely surrounded by Italy that has maintained its independence for over 1,700 years, since its founding by a Christian stonemason fleeing Roman persecution in 301 AD. Perched dramatically atop Mount Titano in the Apennines, it commands sweeping views across the Adriatic coast and the rolling Italian countryside, and its three medieval towers have become the symbol of this extraordinary survivor. Despite its tiny size, San Marino is a fully functioning state with its own government, postage stamps, Grand Prix circuit, and a surprisingly good national museum, making it a fascinating and quirky detour for visitors to the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.