San Marino: A Timeless Jewel in Europe

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeAddio
  [ahd-dee-oh]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusami/Scusa
  [skoo-sah-mee/skoo-sah]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-lee-ts-yah]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un medico!
  [kyah-mah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostSono perso
  [soh-noh pehr-soh]
• I'm illSono malato
  [soh-noh mah-lah-toh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ore sono?
  [keh oh-reh soh-noh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-noh leh dyeh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [ohd-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...?
  [doh-veh oon/eel]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trar-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-yet-toh (pehr)]

San Marino claims to be the world's oldest republic, founded on September 3, 301 AD, by a Christian stonemason named Marinus, later venerated as Saint Marinus. According to legend, Marinus fled the island of Rab, escaping persecution for his Christian beliefs, and established a small community atop Mount Titano.

During the Middle Ages, San Marino developed its unique system of governance and built impressive fortifications to protect against invaders. The three towers—Guaita, Cesta, and Montale—were constructed atop Mount Titano. These towers remain iconic symbols of the city and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

San Marino maintained its independence through various political changes in Europe. In 1253, it adopted the 'Statutes of 1600,' one of the continent's earliest written constitutions. The Grand and General Council, established to govern the republic, continues to function as the legislative body.

During the Napoleonic Wars, San Marino managed to preserve its autonomy. Napoleon Bonaparte recognized San Marino's independence, ensuring the small republic's survival amidst the political upheaval in Europe. This recognition is a testament to San Marino's diplomatic skill and resilience.

San Marino remained neutral during World War II, but it briefly became a refuge for over 100,000 civilians fleeing the conflict. Despite its neutrality, the city was mistakenly bombed by the Allies in 1944. San Marino's commitment to humanitarian efforts during this tumultuous time highlights its enduring values of peace and refuge.

In the contemporary era, San Marino has continued to thrive as a sovereign state. In 2008, its historic center and Mount Titano were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognizing their cultural and historical significance. This recognition underscores San Marino's rich heritage and its preservation of unique traditions and architecture.

San Marino is accessible primarily through Italy. The closest major airports are Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini, approximately 25 kilometers away, and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, about 130 kilometers away. From these airports, you can take a bus or a train to Rimini. From Rimini, regular bus services operated by Bonelli Bus connect directly to San Marino. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive, which offers more flexibility.

San Marino has an efficient public transportation system. The primary mode of public transport is the bus service, which connects various parts of the country to Rimini in Italy. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. For a more personalized experience, consider renting a car or a scooter. Walking is a pleasant option for exploring the historic center as it is compact and pedestrian-friendly.

The official currency of San Marino is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout the country, predominantly in the city center. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in more remote areas.

San Marino is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime such as pickpocketing is uncommon. However, it is always wise to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas like tourist attractions. There are no specific neighborhoods with high crime rates targeting tourists.

In case of emergency, dial 112, which is the general emergency number in San Marino. There are local police stations and medical facilities available. The main hospital is State Hospital of San Marino. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local traditions and customs. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches or religious buildings. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight nod is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience San Marino like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their history and culture. Don't miss the Three Towers of San Marino, which offer stunning views and historical context. For a unique experience, try to visit during one of the many festivals, such as the Medieval Days, to see San Marino come alive with traditional costumes and activities.