San Marino, Hilltop city

One of the most delightful hill-top cities to visit while in Italy is just 10 miles from the Adriatic Sea, but it isn’t in Italy. Now that requires an easy explanation. Covering 23 almost perpendicular square miles on 2,425 foot high Monte Titano, the Republic of San Marino, surrounded by Italy, is one of the smallest and most ancient states in the world.

On the very tip of the mountain, in the city and township of San Marino, three peaks are each surmounted by a castle. Eight townships surround Monte Titano, some were purchased outright, others taken on perpetual lease, and some represent the spoils of the wars in the 1400s, the last wars San Marino fought.