Wondering if San Marino is worth a visit? Keep reading to find out if the microstate nestled within Italy is right for you.
Enchanted castles, medieval architecture, dramatic mountaintops, and quirky museums – these are just some of the things you’ll encounter in the magical mountainous state of San Marino.
If strolling through cobblestone streets, climbing towers, hiking in the mountains, and enjoying delicious Italian food at cozy restaurants where waiters gladly offer limoncello or grappa sounds appealing, then spending a couple of days here is definitely worth it.
Some Facts About San Marino
San Marino was founded as early as 301 AD, making it the world’s oldest republic. The country is an enclave, meaning it is completely surrounded by Italy. While the small country shares much with Italy in terms of language, food traditions, and culture, it has a uniquely “quirkier” feel.
Located at the top of Mount Titano, which is part of the Apennine mountain range, the country’s highest point sits at 749 meters above sea level. The entire state is only about 61 square kilometers, making it the third smallest country in Europe (after Monaco and Vatican City).
Due to its altitude, San Marino has been quite isolated over the years. This has presented some challenges for its inhabitants but has also led to the preservation of much of its architecture, culture, and distinctiveness.
Things to Do in San Marino
Old Town
The old town in the city of San Marino, the capital of the country, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll find narrow cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, churches and castles, and no matter where you turn, you’ll have spectacular views of the mountains and the lush surrounding landscape.
San Marino is also a tax-free destination, so prices here are a bit lower than in the major Italian cities. As a result, you’ll find a variety of shops catering to tourists, offering everything from clothing, bags, souvenirs, and locally produced drinks.
Piazza della Libertà and Palazzo Pubblico
Piazza della Libertà is the main square in the city where ceremonies and official events are often held. Here stands the parliament (Palazzo Pubblico), which was rebuilt in 1894 on the remains of the old medieval building.
San Marino hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, from Christmas markets and jazz festivals to medieval festivals and other events with historical ties.
We stumbled upon the “Festival degli alpini” by chance, where there was music and dancing in the streets, and everyone wore funny feather hats.
San Marino’s Three Towers
The three towers Guaita, Cesta, and Montale are perhaps the main attraction in San Marino.
Guaita, also known as La Rocca, is the first tower you come to. This is the first tower built in San Marino in the 11th century and is located right on the edge of the mountain. It was reinforced in the Middle Ages, and again in the 15th century when San Marino was at war with the powerful Malatesta family who ruled over Rimini.
You can climb up the tower for a view of the entire area.
Cesta is the second tower, also known as Fratta or Falesia. It takes about 10 minutes to walk here from Guaita via Passo delle Streghe (Witches’ Pass), a cobblestone narrow path that offers great photo opportunities. Cesta is located at the top of Monte Titano, 756 meters above sea level. The Museum of Ancient Arms is also located here.
Montale is the third tower and can only be visited from the outside. It’s only a few minutes walk from Cesta.
Tip: You can buy a combined ticket that includes entry to both the first and second towers. It’s usually cheaper than buying tickets separately. However, when we were here, the second tower was closed for renovation, something the person who sold us the combined ticket didn’t feel like informing us about – so make sure everything is open first.
Basilica di San Marino
The basilica is dedicated to Saint Marinus, considered the founder of San Marino, and is also called the Basilica of Saint Marinus. It was built in the 20th century on the site of an old church that stood there before.
Next to it is another small church called Chiesa di San Pietro. Here, you can see some stone beds where Saint Marinus and San Leo are said to have rested.
Museums
Despite being a small country, San Marino has surprisingly many museums.
In addition to the usual history and art museums, they also have some slightly more alternative ones.
Museo della Tortura
The torture museum displays over 100 torture instruments used from the Middle Ages and throughout history.
Museo delle cere e strumenti di tortura
This is a different take on a wax museum. Here, 40 important historical scenes are represented by 100 wax figures wearing period clothing.
The museum also has a section dedicated to traditions from San Marino, and a section dedicated to medieval torture instruments (a theme they seem to be fond of).
Museo delle Creature della Notte
A museum dedicated to werewolves, vampires, and other evil creatures of the night.
Musei delle Curiosità Curiosities
A slightly more family-friendly museum that simply displays weird things from around the world. Here, you can see the tallest man in the world, the thickest man, the longest nails, longest hair, and other strange things.
Sentiero della Rupe – Walk down Monte Titano
Sentiero della Rupe (“cliff path”) is a trail that leads you around and down Monte Titano. The trail loops via the small village of Borgo Maggiore, located at the bottom of the path. Here, it’s perfect for taking a break, having lunch, or having a drink.
The entire loop is just over four kilometers and takes between two and three hours. Between San Marino and Borgo Maggiore, there’s also a cable car that you can take one way or both. We walked down and took the cable car back up.
The trail takes you along the underside of the three towers through forested areas, tunnels, and rock formations. Several places offer great views of both the towers and Borgo Maggiore.
The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to walk. It consists of some sections with steep stairs and some sections that are very narrow and steep. Ropes are set up for you to hold onto. These parts are a bit challenging and can be very difficult if you have a fear of heights.
Length: 4.2 kilometers (loop)
Elevation gain: 296 meters
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy-moderate (some challenging sections)
How Many Days in San Marino?
San Marino isn’t very large, and many people come here on a day trip from Rimini or Bologna. You can easily see the main attractions in a day.
However, we recommend spending 2–3 days here if you want to go hiking and explore more of the area than just the city of San Marino itself.
How to Get to San Marino
The easiest way to travel to San Marino without a car is by taking the bus from Rimini. It takes about 30 minutes on a very winding road (you might need motion sickness tablets – I did!).
The bus company is called Bonelli Bus, and the bus stops outside the train station. You can buy tickets on the bus, but to be sure to get a seat, you can buy online or at a kiosk just across the street from the train station (there are signs outside).
