A magnificent Republic

A magnificent Republic
San Marino
Magazine: December 2007

It is both the most ancient Republic in Europe and the smallest in the world. San Marino rises at almost 700m. above the level of the Adriatic and is a few kilometres from the Riviera of Romagna. The collective imagination visualises it with the famous Public Palace, seat of the principal institutions, but there are more surprises in store. Enchantingly illuminated for Christmas, San Marino is even more charming, offering fl avours and perfumes that linger forever. The tasty local cuisine avails itself of the bounty of the rich land. In the territory of San Marino there are about 1000 busy beehives, producing heavenly honey; millefi ori, acacia and chestnut. In such a beautiful land, of course the poignant embrace of olives and vine could not be missing. The extra virgin olive oil is obtained from a blend of a traditional local variety. Not to be missed a visit to the cellars of the Consorzio Vini Tipici of San Marino, the sole producer of DOC wines. Try to taste two white wines: the Biancale and the Roncale. And to fi nish off a party uncork the Moscato Spumante, perfect for proposing a toast and to accompany the local San Marino panettone.