San Marino’s rich history began when a Christian stonemason named Marino founded the ancient maritime power in 301 A.D. The third smallest state in Europe (after Rome and Monaco), San Marino is also said to be the world’s oldest republic, a reputation that has gained the respect of emperors, popes and conquerors such as Napoleon the Great.

Today, San Marino carries a significant vote in the United Nations and serves as a gateway of commercial activities in the European region.

With an estimated population of 28,880 (as of July 2005), San Marino has nine municipalities including its capital, San Marino. A visit to the entire center of the capital reveals a city described as a "medieval town perfectly preserved through the centuries as a gift to posterity."

Along the cliff of Mount Titano stand the fortress – Rocca Guaita, the first fort built in the 11th century, Rocca Cesta, where the Museum of Ancient Weapons from the 13th to the 19th centuries can be found and the Montale, the watchtower during the war with the Malatesta. Montale, although viewed only from the outside, provides a highly picturesque panorama.

Well worth a visit too are some of the area’s landmarks that reflects the state’s arts and culture such as the Public Palace where one can witness the Uniformed Guards of the Fortress perform honor service and the ‘changing of the guard’ ceremony.

The National Museum in the Palazzo Pergami holds archaeological and artistic testimony of the history and legend of the Republic of San Marino while the Church of Saint Francis with its Museum of Art Gallery houses works dating from 1400 to 1900.

Mount Titano and its peak that resembles a stone ship, the hillsides, pine woods and nature parks, hunting and fishing reserves all beckon everyone to discover this haven of natural wonders.

The town districts are immersed in rich vegetation, offering thousands of opportunities to lose oneself in an uncontaminated landscape, living moments of relaxation in total harmony with nature.

Gastronomical fares include simple yet rich flavors of old fashioned homemade pasta, meat, cheese and delicatessen cuts. Tagliatelle, baked pasta, ravioli, tortellini and other dishes are prepared the traditional way – from careful preparation to slow cooking with only the best of ingredients Europe is known worldwide.

For two years now, the Philippines has enjoyed a strong link to San Marino through the initiatives of Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier, the duly appointed Ambassador to the Sovereign Republic. His appointment was a first throughout San Marino’s 1,704 years of existence.

Trade relations between the two republics have been promoted since then, with both countries gaining significant social, cultural, political and economic attention. In 2004 alone, the Philippines exported ,327.00 of consumer products consisting of costume jewelry and travel goods to further boost San Marino’s burgeoning tourism industry.

For more of San Marino, visit its official State Tourist Board website at www.visitsanmarino.com.