San Marino

Surrounded by a breath of the past in the moment of the present - let yourself be enchanted by the historical charm of the venerable region of San Marino and experience the history of an entire nation up close.

I love to tell you about la dolce vita and share my enthusiasm for Italy. Whether it's a few relaxing days at the Lake Garda, a party holiday in Rimini, or feeding your curiosity with a city trip to Rome - the temperamental Italy knows how to win over even the fussiest of travelers. To complete the picture of this magnificent vacation region, I would like to introduce you to the Republic of San Marino in more detail. Although it is the third smallest state in Europe and has quite a long history, San Marino has a lot of surprises up its sleeve. So brace yourselves for something special!

Region

Attractions | Surroundings

Vacation Planning

Nestled between the beautiful regions of Emilia-Romagna and Marche, San Marino is well-protected in the heart of Italy. Protection comes not only from the neighboring regions but also from Mount Titano, which plays a very special role for San Marino. It was here that the founder of San Marino fled during the Christian persecutions. Many followed in his footsteps, leading to the establishment of a society on Mount Titano. Not to be overlooked is the name of the founder: Marinus, hence the name San Marino - explaining the origin of the city's name. Today's capital also bears the same name: San Marino.

Few cities represent the region better than its ancient and beautiful capital, San Marino. Adorned with historical buildings and significant places to see, San Marino exudes a special charm. However, once you arrive in the city, you'll notice that the crowd of tourists gathers here not just for sightseeing. The narrow streets of the quaint old town invite you to stroll and browse in countless boutiques, souvenir shops, and stores. Of course, this has become widely known - so don't be surprised if you encounter inflated prices. A city that enchants with its originality and reminds one of times gone by, yet does not lag behind modern life: Be prepared for what awaits you behind the medieval city walls that surround San Marino on three sides.

The most central square in the city is the Palazzo Publico, where the town hall and government headquarters stand out with its bright facade. As you may know, Mount Titano holds great significance for the people of San Marino, and it's no surprise that these important buildings were constructed from the stone of the mountain. The interior of the town hall features no less significant artwork than a painting of Saint Marinus himself. However, it's not solely the view of the town hall that generates interest here, but the moment when the guards change shifts. If you're lucky enough to be there on April 1st or October 1st, you'll catch the celebrations for the change of government. The heads of state are elected every six months.

The most significant building in the capital remains the Basilica of San Marino on Piazza della Libertá. Here, you'll find a distinctly medieval atmosphere, likely due to the connection between the church, defensive passages, and towers of the Rocca Guaita. As you marvel at the tallest church in the entire region, you'll be just a few meters away from Mount Titano. Climb the stairs to Rocca Guaita and discover an important fortress from the past. Take your time to explore this fortress from both the inside and the outside, as it houses a promising weapons museum.

As for the view from this high point, I can tell you it's almost overwhelming. With a view over the capital to the Adriatic coast, you'll experience a wonderful sense of freedom. A little tip: If the weapons museum doesn't pique your interest, there are several other museums in the city worth visiting. Among them, you'll find a stamp and coin museum, a state museum, a Ferrari museum, and a torture museum. Anyone opting for the torture museum should be aware that it displays cruel methods used in the past to extract confessions from criminals. Therefore, I would advise against visiting with small children and recommend you prepare yourself mentally.

I would especially like to draw your attention to the city's fortification walls. They are not just ordinary walls like you might find in other cities, but three towers standing on the highest elevations of Mount Titano for protection. The trio of Rocca Guaita, Rocca della Fratta, and Rooca Montale, all named after the peaks they sit atop, not only creates a memorable cityscape but also adorns the national coat of arms. With the exception of Rocca Montale, the towers are currently accessible to visitors and house a former prison and a museum dedicated to Saint Marinus.

Of course, the region of San Marino offers more than just its historic capital. The village of Borgo Maggiore is also worth a visit. Since the various towns in the region are dominated by significant elevation differences, you have the option of taking a cable car between the capital and the small village. Unless you're in great shape and packed with good stamina, then a little hiking trip is surely a nice idea too. Plan your visit for a Thursday morning, as that's when an antique market takes place in Borgo Maggiore, where you can haggle wonderfully - you probably already know that Italians love to negotiate and have a friendly chat. The market is held weekly in Piazza Grande, where there's also a 17th-century palace that is also lovely for sightseeing.

If you wish to take trips outside of San Marino, a visit to Rimini is highly recommended. This popular vacation spot is only about 15 kilometers from the region and can be easily reached by bus (line 17) for around €8. Whether for a relaxing day at the beach, an exciting sightseeing tour, or an unforgettable party night, Rimini is worth the trip.

Would you have thought that the history of this region is so ever-present yet still in harmony with modernity? I believe San Marino is an incredible region that you must visit during your stay in Italy. With a rental car, you can drive along the coast and discover and fall in love with more beautiful towns. You'll find a little motivation for that in my travel magazine.