The Republic of San Marino, sometimes also called the Most Serene Republic of San Marino (Italian: Repubblica di San Marino) is the third smallest nation state in Europe behind the Vatican and Monaco. San Marino is completely enclosed by Italy. The tiny nation is located near Rimini and is considered to be the oldest state in the world, with a history going back to the middle ages. Modern day San Marino was first mentioned in documents dating back to the year 754 as Castellum Sancti Marini. Every year in July, a middle age folklore festival is held in San Marino.
San Marino is on the eastern slopes of the Apennines. Monte Titano (756 m or 2 425 ft), is the highest mountain in the country, which is topped by the castle, La Guaita. The rivers
Ausa and Fiumicello have their source in San Marino and the rivers San Marino and Marano cross the country.
San Marino's climate is Mediterranean with warm summers and mild winters.
The nearest airport is in Rimini.
The city of San Marino (Città di San Marino) is the capital city of the country of the same name on the south-western face of the Titano. The city is surrounded by a wall and three towers with wonderful views of the rest of the country. The city of San Marino is the third largest city in the country after Borgo Maggiore and Dogana. Borgo Maggiore is at the foot of the Titano and is connected to San Marino via a cable car. The best known of the attractions in the city are the Palazzo dei Capitani and the town hall, the Palazzo Publico, the three towers (Guaita, Cesta and Montale), and the cathedral.