The Oldest Republic – Episode 6

Summer 1944. Bombs fall on a neutral republic.

In this episode of The Oldest Republic, we explore one of the most dramatic chapters in San Marino’s history: the months when the small Republic became a refuge for tens of thousands of civilians fleeing war, destruction and persecution during the Second World War.

As fighting reaches the Gothic Line, waves of displaced people cross the border in search of safety. For a country of fewer than ten thousand inhabitants, the challenge is immense. Homes become shelters, railway tunnels turn into dormitories, and scarce food is shared among all.

Yet even San Marino cannot escape the violence of war. Allied bombing strikes the Republic in June 1944, causing destruction and civilian casualties, while neutrality proves fragile in a world at war.

Amid fear and hardship, San Marino continues to welcome those in need, including refugees escaping racial persecution. In one of Europe’s darkest moments, the Republic chooses solidarity.

A small republic under the bombs… becoming a refuge for thousands.

#SanMarino #History #TheOldestRepublic #war #wwii

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

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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 6: P. di Luca, Displacement During the Second World War.

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

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:30 Bombs on the Mount Titano
05:13 A small state as a shelter
08:02 Shelters of fortune: railway tunnels
10:35 Well-known people, institutions and a return to normality