Jinja - santuario shinto di San Marino

Jinja is the first Shinto shrine in Europe; it is located in Serravalle, a hamlet of San Marino, surrounded by the vines of the Podere Lesignano and overlooking a small lake.
The shrine itself is not large, but the approach to it is striking: a small lava-stone path climbs up, passing under the Torii and the Shimenawa (purification rope) to reach the Temizuya. In front of this fountain, built from bamboo canes, visitors perform the purification rite, collecting water with a ladle to wash their hands and mouth before, purified, reaching the shrine.

Good to know

• The Torii is the traditional entrance gate, made up of two horizontal poles and two vertical ones.
• In front of Jinja, visitors can pay homage according to Shinto ritual: two shallow bows, two claps of the hands, then a deeper bow before pausing to meditate.
• Shinto is not a religion but a form of spirituality founded on the union and harmony of people with nature.
• San Marino Jinja is also a monument in memory of the victims of the earthquake that struck Japan on 11 March 2011.
• The shrine stands within the Podere Lesignano, which has a room with a bar and kitchen. Events can be organised there, both Shinto (weddings, baptisms) and of other kinds.

Photo credits - sanmarinojinja.com