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San Marino Virtual Jewish History Tour

[By: Ariel Scheib]

The first mention of Jews in San Marino dates to the late 14th century, in official documents recording the business transactions of Jews. The numerous documents that have been discovered dating back to the 15th to 17th centuries, which contian mentions of Jewish dealings, make it is easy to justify the presence of a Jewish community in San Marino that dates back at least 400 years. Jews were also required to wear special badges and live by specific restrictions, but were also permitted official protection from the government.

During World War II, San Marino provided a harbor for more than 100,000 Italians and Jews from Nazi persecution. Today, there are only small numbers of Jews in San Marino.


Sources: Jewish Encyclopedia: “San Marino”; San Marino: The Mystery of the Small