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West Africa, Malta and the Balkans in 1999

SAN MARINO

Bec
2004-09-19 14:31:23

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San Marino
San Marino is perched on the top of Mount Titano shown here. The city's three ancient forts and the basilica appear on the ridge.

I did not loose much time getting here. Arriving in Rome's airport at 2:30 pm after a two hour flight from Malta, I took the 6:00 pm train that brought me to Ancona at 11:00 pm. There, I had a look around and I waited for the 2:30 am train arriving in Rimini an hour later. I slept on a bench in the station and took the first bus going to San Marin at 8:00 am.

Fort La Cesta with the Montale Tower in the background, seen from the main fort called La Guaita. Their eagle nest positions and the ramparts gave them a strong defensive advantage against any troops approaching the town along the eastern ridge.

First courtyard of the La Guaita Fort. Strong defenses guarding little land might explain the survival of this republic for more than 750 years. It was occupied only twice and for only a few months, by Cesare Borgia in 1503 and by Cardinal Alberoni in 1739.

I admire a job well done and find that these two veterans deserve a medal for the decorum with which they go through with the ritual firing of these old artillery pieces many times a day without looking bored at all.

The country is small but well defended by the Territorial Army which is the main military force, the Guard of Honour responsible for the safety of the government, the "Rocca" Guard in charge of artillery, the Gendarmerie in charge of law and order and the local Police Forces that control traffic and tourists.

These various armed forces all have colourful uniforms (including modern khaki). They certainly do put on a good show when they parade through the narrow streets in full regalia to the music of a military band that can be heard all over town. They do it several times a day so you can't miss them even if your visit is very short (the music helps to locate them).

These people really have got their act down pat. No wonder they do so well on tourism, they have a lovely hillside town, a couple of fairy-tale forts, a tremendous ongoing show and to top it all, some very good restaurants.

It is a lovely place to visit, even though it is quite touristy, because the show is excellent and it's done with a sense of humour. The Disneyland people could take a lesson or two from this place.

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