San Marino: Oldest Republic in the World

San Marino is the oldest Republic in the world. This is not some boast, but historical fact. The beginnings, as befits a good story, are shrouded in legend, putting the founding of the city into the hands of a saint, St Marinus. Like most of the early and many of the later Catholic saints, he is probably mythical. 

Andorra: Two Unlikely Princes

Andorra is an old country. It was established in 1278 after a long and costly war between France and Spain over the territory which is not valuable in itself but strategically placed on major medieval routes through the Pyrenees. It was already then established as a Principality with two reigning Princes, the Bishop of Seu d’Urgell in Spain and the Count of Foix in France to represent the interests of both powers. This condominium endured for 500 years until the French revolutionary government rescinded all contracts signed by the kings of France at any time. 

Vogel Gryff: Day of The Griffin

It takes a special town to have a festival dedicated to a mythical beast, but in a city where you stumble over basilisks with almost every other step you take, it has to be expected. Vogel Gryff, the Festival of the Griffin is held every January in the city of Basel. 

Palmanova: Star Among Towns in Italy

Like a time capsule, Palmanova remains almost unchanged since the time of Napoleon. Founded by Venice as the ideal of a Renaissance town, it was intended to keep the Turks and Austrians alike from getting a hold on the Friuli.