San Marino and its history are a unique example in the world of a small State, which has remained inde­pendent and self-governed through the cen­turies. Emperors and Popes, generals and con­querors, even such great fig­ures as Napoleon bowed in respect before an ideal of liber­ty defended solely by means of faith. Its status and independence are now recognized on an interna­tional level. Not only this, but within the major international organs in which the Republic is represented, it exerts a precious and essential role in the defense of peace and the universal rights of mankind.

 

Silent and precise, the cross­bow is the most ancient weapon used to defend the Republic and, quite rightly, rep­resents one of the most authen­tic and genuine traditions of its people. Chosen cross-bowmen were stationed to defend the walls. As early as 1339, a decree required that each "Reggenza", under pain of loss of salary, should purchase at public expense a large crossbow com­plete with bolts and then con­sign it to the "Massaro" of the Council so that it would always be available in case of need.

 

With the advent of firearms, the use of crossbows gradually became ineffective, but their role was never forgotten. Consequently, in 1600, it was decreed that a tourney be held involv­ing harquebus and crossbows every year on the day dedicated to the Patron Saint. Modern crossbows have changed little compared with their ancient predecessors, even if they have been perfected. In many cases, the cross bowmen themselves, who search out the most precious woods and decorate them with artistic designs makes them. The Crossbow Corps was rediscovered in July 1956 and transformed into a federation in 1963, is today flanked by a flag throwers, musicians playing ancient instru­ments and innumer­able extra who, during the events, parade in historic costumes.

 

Shopping

 

A thousand temptations and never a regret. Enchanted by the beauty of the ancient "contrade" (quarters), the palaces and monu­ments, the first instinct is to take home a sou­venir, a small object to remember an unforget­table visit. The thousand shops in the historic centre of San Marino offer some­thing for all tastes; from precious jewels to designer clothes; from typical craftsman­ship to chain mail armor. Ceramics, cos­tume jewellery, cloth­ing, leather articles, perfumes, playing cards, wine stores - and many more. It is like a huge and wonderfully impressive outdoor shopping centre.

 

Geography

 

San Marino. A steep rocky region overlooking the Adriatic Sea seen from the Apennines, the peak of Mount Titano resembles a stone ship. This unusual geological configu­ration places San Marino in the centre of an incredible panorama ranging from Cesenatico to Conero, as well as accompanying the eye along the profile of the mountains of the hinterland. Similar to an island, standing around twenty kilometers away from the coastal plain.

 

Philately

 

So many major and minor sto­ries in squares of gummed paper. Created in 1877 as a tax for the postal service, stamps soon became the messengers of San Marino's image all over the world. Its history, tra­ditions and culture were repro­duced in graphic form through the images of great artists and famous men, who pre­pared the beautiful designs which have since made San Marino stamps sought after collectors' items. A true instrument of cultural communication con­centrated in just a few millimeters - yet capa­ble of overcoming any frontier. San Marino, geographi­cally speaking, is one of the smallest mem­bers of the Universal Postal Union, which it joined on the 1^st of July 1915.

 

Food and Wine

 

Local gastronomic traditions embrace the simple yet rich flavors of Romagna. Tagliatelle, baked pasta, ravioli, tortellini. All pasta is home­made, in the old-fash­ioned way, followed by second courses of meat, cheese and deli­catessen cuts replete with the simple, genuine flavors of these lands. And then the "piadina", the unleavened bread recalling the "mensae" of the ancient Romans. Dishes and flavors are the dialectic basis from which modern society evolved, the very root underlying the devel­opment of thought, habits and customs, the so-called material culture of civilized society. Each dish is prepared in the traditional man­ner: careful prepara­tion, slow cooking, only the very best ingredients. Such as extra virgin olive oil and wine, which San Marino protects with its own mark of con­trolled origin.