The Oldest Republic: A Journey to San Marino

San Marino is a small but fascinating country which is surrounded by Italy. I found it interesting that it is the oldest republic not only in Western Europe but also in the world. The place is known for its historic towers, hills, and ancient architecture. It was a delightful experience to witness the changing colors of the sky from sunset to twilight whilst standing atop a 13th-century tower. The place has an extraordinary view of the Italian countryside and the Adriatic Sea. I was amazed by the culturally diverse people, art, and music. During my visit to San Marino, I learned about its history from its founding by Saint Marinus in the early 4th century to its current governance. The place has played a significant role in Italian unification and has had deep historical ties with the Roman Catholic Church. I also compared it to other republics and democracies of the world and found San Marino unique in its own way.