San Marino Journal

Standing strong within the swirls and evolution of history, San Marino has retained its novelty and prosperity since its establishment as a republic in A.D. 301. Looking around, I marveled at how this tiny state made it this big on the global platform: who commandeered these initiations and how the generations of competent Sammarinese cherished and upheld these attainments. It was truly inspirational and eye-opening! Withstanding the bloodstained battles and phases of Italy, the enclave exemplifies utmost perseverance and endurance. Commanding enthralling views and enigma, this third smallest country in Europe exists as an ancient conventual state unique and special in the global community.

        One of San Marino’s most notable assets is its prosperity in the financial sector. The economic body exemplifies that of the most developed countries in Europe, and further commands authority and stability for the nation. Despite its tremendously small size, San Marino stands tall with its fifteenth highest GDP per capita in the world. The country’s economy relies heavily on the tourism industry, in addition to banking and the manufacturing of ceramics, clothing, fabrics, furniture, paints, spirits, tiles, and wine. Directing an economy largely dependent on Italy’s demands, San Marino has more or less been affected by the global financial decline. Even with these difficulties in the banking sector, recent global economic downturn, and downfall in marketing prices, however, the country had adopted measures to counter these trends. Effectively implementing their proposals, San Marino administered enactions such as subsidizing credit to businesses and striving to shift its growth model away from a heavy reliance on bank and tax relations. These once again emphasized the nation’s ability to cope with even the most direst situations, and correlates to the fact how San Marino does not issue any national debt and continues to prevail on the global stage to date. Touring this tiny state where the number of vehicles exceeds the population really accentuated the world’s capability to target and solve swiftly difficulties, while further stressing the importance of the cause and effect of tenacity and accomplishment.

        As Yiping and I meandered through the crowded yet neat streets of San Marino, the buildings enclosed around us certainly exemplified the best of Medieval architecture with a mix of a modern feel to it. Built around a mere 61.5 km², San Marino winds its poise up Mount Titano with its ancient historical center at its peak. Made entirely of stone, the nation’s buildings are a brew of contemporary architecture and ancient modifications known for its narrow cobblestone streets and stone, brick, and tiles. This Medieval, Renaissance, and modern blend exudes a distinctive beauty to it. Dominant of the Christian faith, a multitude of Catholic churches embellish the skyline of San Marino. Known for its rich history and devout religious attachment, the Basilica di San Marino is one of the most commendable Catholic churches represented in the country. Built in the neoclassical style, a fashion purely abiding by the classics of Italian architect Andrea Palladio in the mid- 18th century, it is one of the pioneers to initiate and erect this set of architecture in the nation. Dedicated to the founder of San Marino, the church further symbolizes staunchness of the Sammarinese. Other notable buildings in San Marino include the Church of St. Peter and Chiesa di San Pietro. It was truly insightful gazing and exploring these ancient churches and architecture that corresponds the historic past to the contemporary present!

Besides the usual fantasy of cuisine, amiable locals, and breathtaking scenery, a commentable and interesting denotation of San Marino is its two predominant languages: Italian and Romagnol. 83% of the population speak the latter Sammarinese dialect, though Italian is intermingled and standardized with their words and phrases of everyday enunciation. Both characterized as Romance languages, Italian and Romagnol are the primary languages the Sammarinese speak in daily encounters. Recognized as the official language of San Marino, Italian signifies both the country's close relations with Italy and the proliferation of the language. Despite this, however, San Marino dialects are still spoken and in direst concerns of disappearing. Dormant in its development, they are being publicly used less and less through trivial friendly interchanges between locals and the indigenous. Preserving the deeds and historical roots of every country is crucial to its perseverance, endurance, and dedication. Through these observations of San Marino's old age and rarity of the preservations, it is imperative for the world to lend a helping hand to hone and nurture styles indigenous to countries for the world to experience cosmopolitan journeys unlike any other.

Journal By: Sunni Lin