The Oldest Republic – Episode 7

1960s. A sunny day, tourists arriving from the Riviera, the towers rising above Mount Titano.

In this episode of The Oldest Republic, we explore how San Marino transformed itself in the second half of the 20th century, turning tourism into one of the driving forces of its economy and identity.

After the difficult post-war years, marked by reconstruction, emigration and economic fragility, the Republic began to change. New infrastructures, new roads and new opportunities connected San Marino more closely to the outside world, opening the way to a new phase of growth.

Tourism, together with handicraft and small industries, became central. Hotels multiplied, visitors increased rapidly, and the historic centre turned into a destination for millions. A small mountain state entered the age of mass tourism.

But growth also brought new challenges. Short visits, dependence on the Romagna Riviera and the rise of a “souvenir economy” raised questions about sustainability and identity. San Marino had to decide how to present itself to the world: as a quick stop… or as a place with its own cultural and historical depth.

From international events and sporting visibility to the crisis of the 1990s and the search for a new model, the Republic faced a long transition between tradition and innovation.

In the new millennium, San Marino redefined its tourism strategy, combining commerce, culture and heritage. The recognition of Mount Titano as a UNESCO World Heritage Site marked a new beginning, bringing the Republic once again to the attention of the world.

A small state reinventing itself… through tourism.

#SanMarino #History #TheOldestRepublic #tourism

Welcome to the history of the oldest republic in the world.

Subscribe to our channels to follow the full series:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@storiainflanella/featured
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zuAthwqVO4rRJffD6yzkr?si=3fff127dd1a3495f

This podcast is sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs of San Marino, with the support of the San Marino Centre for Historical Studies (University of San Marino).

The texts are based on L. Gorgolini, S. Pivato (eds.), History of San Marino, 2026. This episode is based on chapter 7: M. Troilo, The Expansion of Tourism.

Author: Giuseppe Giardi
Hosts: Carlotta Serra Ciotti and Federica Ghirotti
Video: Luca Zucchi

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Rebuilding, restarting and Golden Years
04:45 Tourism, ideas and identity
07:30 Crisis and relaunch
11:24 The New Millennium