Foto von Matthias Mullie auf Unsplash
On the Côte d’Azur and yet not in France, in the middle of Bella Italia and yet not in Italy, sometimes a tax and hiking paradise, sometimes the oldest republic in the world: the six mini-states in Europe not only have exciting stories to tell, but also entice visitors with their impressive nature and unique sights. From the Vatican to Andorra: a flying visit to the six dwarves with hotel tips for recharging your batteries.
By Sabine Metzger
Vatican City: Holy Dwarf
The mini-state of Vatican City measures just 0.49 square kilometers, making it the number one of the small ones, located in the middle of the Italian capital Rome. As the center of the Roman Catholic Church with the Pope as head of state, it is probably also the holiest. The city-state has around 1000 inhabitants and the official language is Latin. Whether you are a believer or not, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel are sure to provide some big wow moments. The Vatican Museums house works from antiquity to modern times as well as works by Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci. The panoramic view from the dome of the cathedral over the eternal city and down to the Vatican Gardens is breathtaking. They make up around half of the national territory and are enclosed by walls dating back to the 16th century. A visit is only possible by appointment (www.vaticanstate.va/en)
Accommodation tips with charging station: DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti
Monaco: Rich and beautiful
Monaco is number two among the European and global minis, with a total area of 2.08 square kilometers completely enclosed by France. However, it is the leader in terms of population density: a whopping 24,500 Monegasques per square kilometer crowd the deep blue Mediterranean coast. Rents and property prices are among the most expensive in the world. Income tax? Inheritance tax? Not a thing! Even financial crimes committed abroad are not prosecuted. The tiny city-state became famous when the diva Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III in the 1950s. The Casino de Monte Carlo is located in the principality’s most famous district, Monte Carlo. You can relax in the nearby Jardins de la Petite Afrique. In Port Hercule, you can get your fill of luxurious yachts. Monaco-Ville, Monaco’s old town, which is also known as Rocher due to its location on the Prince’s Rock, is picturesque. Monaco’s Prince Albert II resides in the Prince’s Palace on Place du Palais (www.visitmonaco.com)
Overnight tip with charging station: Hotel Cap Estrel
San Marino: A fortified republic
Just like the Vatican and Monaco, the number three in the competition of the little ones is an enclave: San Marino lies on Italian soil, is 61.2 square kilometers in size and has a 39-kilometer-long state border. Around 33,000 San Marinese live in the mountainous dwarf state, not far from Rimini. They speak Italian, have a strong sense of national pride and do not consider themselves to be Italian. The most famous attraction in tranquil San Marino is the mountain Monte Titano, on which three medieval fortresses are enthroned. The changing of the guard takes place daily in front of the Palazzo Pubblico, the neo-Gothic town hall of the capital San Marino. The Basilica of San Marino with its Roman columns is the city’s main church. San Marino is one of the oldest republics in the world. Its nickname “Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino” goes back to St. Marinus of Rimini. He is said to have founded San Marino in 301 (www.visitsanmarino.com).
Overnight tip with charging station: Hotel Rosa
Liechtenstein: Princely Alpine idyll
The diminutive size of 160 square kilometers puts Liechtenstein in fourth place among Europe’s dwarf states. It is located in the quadrangle with Germany, Austria and Switzerland on the Rhine. Medieval castles, an idyllic Alpine landscape and tranquil villages connected by numerous hiking trails characterize the picture. In this rich principality with around 40,000 inhabitants, German is spoken, payments are made in Swiss francs and the monarch calls the shots. The capital Vaduz is the cultural and economic center. Vaduz Castle, which dates back to the 12th century, towers over the capital of the same name. However, it can only be admired from the outside. The Prince of Liechtenstein lives there and does not want to be disturbed. Red and white wines are grown in the surrounding vineyards. Cultural tips: the Liechtenstein Art Museum in Vaduz, Gutenberg Castle in Balzers and the Roman ruins in the villages of Nendeln and Schaanwald. Hikers and skiers will be delighted by the less crowded routes in Malbun (www.liechtenstein-marketing.li)
Overnight tip with charging station: Parkhotel Sonnenhof
Malta: mini island state in the Mediterranean
When it comes to listing the smallest countries in Europe, few people have Malta to hand. However, the island state between Sicily and the coast of North Africa ranks fifth among Europe’s dwarf states. At 316 square kilometers, it is roughly the size of Bremen and consists of the three inhabited islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino as well as the uninhabited mini-islands of Cominotto, Filfla, Saint Paul’s Island and Fungus Rock. The almost 540000 Maltese speak Maltese and English and pay in euros. Conquests by the Romans, Moors, the Order of St. John, the French and the British have left their mark and shaped the history of the small island republic. The capital Valetta was founded on a peninsula by the Order of St. John in the 16th century. Its baroque landmark is Saint John’s Co-Cathedral with Caravaggio’s masterpiece “The Beheading of John the Baptist” (www.visitmalta.com).
Overnight tip with charging station: Hotel Corinthia St. George’s Bay
Andorra: duty-free natural paradise
At 468 square kilometers, Andorra is the largest of the small ones, a small mountain nation located in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. Like Monaco, Andorra is an independent principality and a tax haven. It is effectively a co-principality with two heads of state: the Bishop of Urgell, Joan Enric Vives i Sicília, and the French President Emmanuel Macron. The official language of the 85,000 Andorrans is Catalan. Elegant boutiques, jewelry stores and shopping centers lure visitors to the capital Andorra la Vella, 1000 meters above sea level, for a duty-free shopping spree. This makes it Europe’s highest capital city. A visit to the Romanesque church of Santa Coloma in the old town district of Barri Antic is easier on the wallet. Winter sports enthusiasts are drawn to the Grandvalira, Vallnord-Pal Arinsal and Ordino ski resorts. In summer, the Pyrenean landscape belongs to mountain bikers and hikers. If you take the 120 kilometers of the GRP circular hiking trail under your feet, the dwarf state suddenly becomes very, very big (https://visitandorra.com).
Overnight tip with charging station: Casa Moma 1948
