Lelli Mami

If you want to visit one of the strangest places in Italy then head to the North-Eastern side of the Apennine Mountains where the tiny enclaved micro state of San Marino is located! Known officially as the Republic of San Marino, this tiny country is just over 61 square kilometres in size and has a population of approximately 32,000 people.

Its capital is called San Marino but its largest city is called Dogana. This fascinating state of San Marino claims to be the oldest surviving sovereign and constitutional republic in the world.

Italy is home to plenty of castles that have existed for hundreds of years and, as is often the case with things and places that have existed for hundreds of years and with castles, in particular, this means that there are also plenty of haunted castles throughout the country. Among them, one of the most famous is the castle of Montebello, which is located a hamlet of Borgo Montebello, in the municipality of Poggio Torriana, Rimini. The Castello di Montebello is famous for the tale of Azzurrina, a noble girl who lived there in the 14th century, and the legend and stories of hauntings that surround both her and the castle. Open to the public as a museum, the castle is one of the easiest haunted places to visit in Italy and is a must-see for anyone who has found a vacation rental in Rimini or a holiday rental in Emilia Romagna and is planning a trip over mid-term break or around Hallowe’en. Come have a spooky experience in this fascinating gem!

The story goes that Guendalina Malatesta was born around 1370 to Ugolinuccio, or Uguccione, the feudal lord of Montebello. Unfortunately, when she was born, the family was filled with dread instead of joy as she was an albino. In the Middle Ages albinism was a symbol of great misfortune and connected to events of a diabolical nature, according to popular superstitions, and albinos were often accused of being witches and burned at the stake. Fearing for their child and her future, the lord and lady came up with a plan to dye her hair. However the dye didn’t take in her incredibly pale hair and went blue instead of black, leaving the girl with striking blue eyes and hair, lending the nickname, “Azzurrina” (little blue one). This failed experiment meant that the poor child still stuck out like a sore thumb and it was decided to assign two guards to the child at almost all times and prevent her from leaving the castle.

Those who have found a vacation rental in Emilia Romagna or a villa in Rimini, in particular, or a holiday rental in Le Marche should definitely try and set aside a day to spend visiting the intriguing San Marino.

The enclaved microstate of the Republic of San Marino, also known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, is located inside Italy, not far from the riviera of Rimini and is a fascinating little country within a country that is just 61 square kilometres in size. It is thought to be the oldest sovereign state, oldest republic in the world, and was founded in 301 AD. In addition, it is one of the least visited countries in Europe and is a really special gem with a unique history and culture of its own. Impossibly picturesque and a path less travelled, the discerning and adventurous tourist exploring the surrounding area of Italy will definitely check it out but, if you're not yet convinced, here are ten reasons to add San Marino to your bucket list...

The Republic of San Marino is a tiny country located in Italy that is just over 61 square kilometres in size and has a population of approximately 32,000 people. Located on the border between Le Marche and Emilia Romagna, it is the third smallest country in Europe with only the State of Vatican City in Latium, Italy and the State of Monaco in France being smaller. In 2008, it was officially recognised for its unique charms, historical and cultural value, and scenic beauty and was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

At Christmas, this pretty and historic little country is even more beautiful and full of things to see and do. Why not come and experience San Marino's unique appeal for yourself this festive season for something a little different? Just find a vacation rental in Le Marche or a vacation rental in Emilia Romagna make a day trip (or maybe two) to this incredible little land.

In the last post, we introduced the little gem that is the enclaved microstate of San Marino. Nestled between the Italian regions of Le Marche and Emilia Romagna, this impossibly pretty republic is a perfect spot for a day trip and has a surprising amount to offer visitors. Just find a vacation rental in Emilia Romagna or a villa in Rimini, in particular, or a holiday rental in Le Marche and then set aside a day to come and explore this incredible place that looks like a picture-perfect kingdom plucked right from the pages of a storybook. Aside from the stunning views and scenery, pretty streets, great food, and excellent value for money, here are even more reasons as to why it is a must-see...

6. Shop The Discounts

We noted that San Marino isn't overly expensive, in general, but it also boasts tax-free shopping, lots of great shops and boutiques to choose from, some malls, and, additionally, two outlets: San Marino Factory Outlet and Queen Outlet. Be sure to grab a bargain while you're in town!

The Republic of San Marino is an impossibly beautiful little country that is located in Italy, on the border between Le Marche and Emilia Romagna. At Christmas, the country, and its capital (also named San Marino), in particular, is especially stunning.

In the last article, we discussed how the beautiful capital becomes even more lovely during the festive season through the initiatives of a project called The Christmas of Wonders. This involves decorating one street in knitted decorations, another in candles and lanterns and lighting streets all over with projections and light effects on the historic buildings of the old town centre. Musical performances and theatrical presentations by buskers only heighten this lovely Christmas atmosphere. However, this is not all there is to be seen. There are plenty of other activities and things to see and do. Just find a vacation rental in Le Marche or a vacation rental in Emilia Romagna make a day trip (or maybe two) to this incredible little land to experience it all for yourself!