Today’s article will be a short trip to beautiful San Marino. This is another place that I managed to see during my last stay in Italy. I’ve always wanted to go there, although I don’t really know why… Now I know that it was worth putting this mini country on the list of places I would like to visit.
San Marino is one of the smallest countries in the world. I guess this information has something intriguing about it, which makes a person want to be in such a place. Only the Vatican and Monaco are smaller. It is located on the Monte Titano hill, famous for being the oldest republic in the world. It has a beautiful Old Town and a spectacular castle location. San Marino is surrounded by Italy on all sides, it doesn’t have its own airport, so if you want to visit this country, you have to fly to one of the nearby airports located in Italy. The closest neighbour of this country is one of the most famous Italian resorts in northern Italy – Rimini. From this city is also the most convenient way to get to San Marino. There is a bus service between Rimini and San Marino several times a day. The bus leaves practically from the train station, and the price of a one-way ticket is 5 euros. Tickets can be purchased at a kiosk opposite the main entrance to the station or from the driver.
All the attractions that San Marino has to offer are very close to each other. Therefore, the only option for sightseeing is our legs. It is worth adding that the country is located in the mountains, so you will have to climb up some charming narrow streets to some attractions. Coming back, I guarantee it will only be downhill.
Below is some information about things to see in the republic of San Marino.
Gateway to San Marino
This is the first point of attraction that greets every tourist. It is located just a few hundred meters from the P8 car park and the bus stop. It can be recognized by the characteristic pedestrian crossing, at which a policeman is standing in a booth.
After crossing the city walls, we enter the oldest part of San Marino. Old-fashioned stone buildings, tenement houses and narrow cobbled streets lead towards the higher parts of the city, up to the castle itself. During the “climbing” walk, we can admire the ever more beautiful panorama of the area. The whole is very charming and encourages us to explore and discover another corner of this city. What immediately catches your eye is that the city is geared and dominated by tourists. No wonder that every year San Marino, with a population of 31,000, is visited by almost 4 million tourists! These numbers are impressive! Here you will find restaurants, ice cream and cafés. Most, however, we will find here branded and expensive shops with tax-free inscriptions.
Piazza Della Liberta
The heart of San Marino and one of the most photographed places here. Piazza Della Liberta is one of the most important places in San Marino. A small square where the Pallazzo Publico building is located. It is the seat of the unicameral Parliament of San Marino. The parliament building dates from the Middle Ages and is topped with a clock tower.
San Marino Basilica
Just a few hundred meters away is the Basilica of San Marino. The temple was designed by Antoni Serra in 1826, the artist came from Bologna. Inside the basilica are placed the relics of the founder of San Marino. Right next to it is a bell tower built in 600 AD.
Castle of La Rocca o Guaita
The last attraction of San Marino is La Rocca Castle, which, like the icing on the cake, is located at the very top of Mount Titano. La Rocca was built in the 11th century and partially rebuilt in the 15th century. The dominant element of the castle is the tower, built without foundations directly on the rock. The castle is open to tourists. There is an observation deck on the tower.
Half a day is enough to visit San Marino, the prices are similar to those in Italian cities. Was it worth visiting this tiny corner of the world? I will answer without hesitation that yes… Beautiful architecture, interesting atmosphere, interesting monuments, delicious coffee and fabulous views…
