Wedged between the Italian regions of Romagna and Marche, only a few kilometres from the Adriatic Riviera, the Republic of San Marino covers a total area of just 61 sq km. It was founded in AD 301 by the Dalmatian stonemason Marinus, who sought refuge here - so the legend goes - from the persecutions of the Emperor Diocletian. Ever since, the small country has been able to boast a history of freedom and independence, tenaciously and wisely defended against all-comers.