Seborga is a pretty Italian hilltop village about twenty kilometres from the French border at Menton. There are many similar villages in this part of Liguria. What makes Seborga different is its self-proclaimed status as an independant principality, complete with border post, its own currency and an eccentric Prince known locally as 'Sua Tremendita' or 'Your Tremendousness'.

Any of you who have seen the Ealing comedy 'Passport to Pimlico' in which a London borough declares its independence from central government, will find this amusing. But Seborgans take their 'nationality' seriously. Flags, similar in colour and design to the national flag of Greece, adorn the streets and most residents consider themselves Seborgan rather than Italian.

Seborga's claim to independence dates back to 957 when the Counts of Ventimiglia ceded it to the monks of Lerino. Since then it's been in no-mans land, unrecognised by any international state. In fact, the Italian government has never seen Seborga as anything other than its own territory. The modern 'principality' idea dates back to the early 1960s. Giorgio Carbone, a local flower grower's representitive, convinced his fellow citizens of Seborga's historical right to independence and got himself elected Prince. His popularity and status were overwhelmingly confirmed by a 1995 referendum in which citizens voted for a constitution and independence from Italy. It's mostly, of course, about tourism. A battle for independence is good for business. Seborgans have no more animosity towards the Italian government than Italians down the road, in the bars of Bordighera.

Seborga is well worth a visit. The locals, like their fictional Ealing comedy cousins, are a friendly and community spirited lot. There's even a growing number of expatriates (and by that I don't mean Italians). The village has a lively bar, a couple of excellent restaurants and some very pleasant walks on which you can enjoy stunning views down to the coast.

But if you want to experience the full pageantry of this 'micro nation' you'll only have to wait until August 20th, Seborga's national day. There's always plenty going on and if you do happen to pop into the local bar for a tipple, remember to raise a glass to the memory of Prince Giorgio. Seborga is a forty minute drive from Nice airport. Remember to take your passport.

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