In Italy, it is easy to forget that there are two other countries within the country’s borders.
From Rome to the mini-state Vatican
Are you into globetrotting or have you set yourself the goal of visiting all European countries? Italy is a real treat for travelers looking to land: the mini-states of the Vatican and San Marino are also located within the country’s borders.
States completely surrounded by another country’s borders are rare. Besides the Vatican and San Marino, only Lesotho, which is located inside South Africa, has a similar country.
The Vatican State is the world’s smallest independent state, which practically counts as an attraction in Rome. More than five million tourists arrive within the borders of the mini-state every year.
In addition to pilgrims, the Vatican attracts tourists interested in culture, history and architecture. Many are just simply curious to see a new country. Especially the summer holiday season and religious holidays bring long queues to the Vatican.
The most important sights of the Vatican are St. Peter’s Church, the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. In addition to Rome, it’s easy to make a trip to the Vatican from, for example, Naples or holiday resorts in Tuscany.
>> Read also: The best sights in Rome – 18 tips
Picturesque San Marino surprises
Most people travel to San Marino from the nearby beaches of Rimini, Riccione and Cattolica, or from the cities of Bologna and Florence, for example. The distance from Rome is more than 300 kilometers.
An easy day trip attracts a lot of quick visits, but an actual vacation to San Marino is rarely taken. According to the official statistics of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), San Marino has the fewest number of tourists in Europe.
San Marino surprises visitors with its beauty and its old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guaita Fortress is a dramatic sight in the mountainous mini-state. Shopping is tax-free in San Marino.
From Italy, it is easy to visit countries that are not located within Italy’s borders. Popular routes include, for example, the coast from the Italian Riviera to the French Riviera and Monaco or moving from northern Italy to Slovenia and Croatia.
Read also: Can you guess? These are the only countries in the world without an airport – familiar to Finns as well
Source: www.rantapallo.fi
