Tradition of the crossbow shooters in San Marino San Marino officially Republic of San Marino, Italian Repubblica di San Marino, epithet La Serenissima The most delicious is the presumably oldest existing republic in the world with a story that goes back to the year 301 with the foundation by the Holy Marinus. As an enclave, it is completely surrounded by Italy. The medieval old town is surrounded by a wall. There are 3 defensive towers from the 11th century on the neighboring peaks.