Only 61 square kilometers in size, San Marino is a tiny independent country that is completely surrounded by Italy.

 

San Marino

San Marino is one of the world's oldest sovereign state, dating back from the fourth century AD. The capital city is atop the center of the hilly area's highest point. Medieval stone walls enclose the original settlement, built entirely of stone and closed to traffic. A single winding street leading up to Piazza della Libertà is lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops selling duty-free items, San Marino's main attraction to visiting Italian tourists. The three fortresses at the top of the mountain give San Marino its best-known image and are linked by a path that runs along the entire ridge of the mountain.