europe's oldest republic, tiny san marino was reputedly founded by st.marinus, a 4th century monk and stonemason forced to flee the religious persecution of the emperor diocletian.
with him was st.leo, the founder of the nearby town of san leo.
dramatically situated on the slopes of monte titano, the country has its own mint, stamps, football team, even its own 1000 strong army.
there are no customs formalities in this small country, whose borders are just 12km. apart at the widest point. sadly, the capital, also known as san marino, is thronged with visitors for much of the year and its streets are clogged with souvenir stalls.
garibaldi, who sought shelter here after fleeing venice in 1849, is honoured by a monument in piazza garibaldi.