From Bologna, I made a day visit to the 5th smallest independent country in the world, the Republic of San Marino. It is one of three countries completely surrounded by another country with the other two being Vatican City and Lesotho. This microstate was once part of Italy’s city-state network and still endures within Italy as the world’s oldest republic and sovereign state founded in 301 AD. At its border is a sign, “Welcome to the ancient land of freedom,” which refers to the sheltering of over 100,000 refugees during WWII. San Marino is not part of the European Union even though it uses the Euro. Up upon Monte Titano stands the historic capital, San Marino, with its cobblestone paths, medieval fortresses, and turreted castles. The city is surrounded by a wall and has 3 fortresses connected by the “Passo della Streghe” or “Witches’ Passage.” Old stone benches line the Witches’ Passage which provides magnificent views of the area. I took the train from Bologna to Rimini which is the closest train station to San Marino and then a 30-min taxi ride. I arranged for the driver, Nicola (nicoalbani@gmail.com), to pick me up from the train station and take me back when I was ready to leave. Alternatively, there are buses across from Rimini train station going directly to San Marino. There is a quick 2-minute funicular ride that takes you from the lower Borgo Maggiore to the historic center at the top.
San Marino
San Marino
San Marino
San Marino
The neo-gothic Palazzo Pubblico houses the government and parliament of San Marino. In front is the Piazza della Libertà or Liberty Square with a warrior-like Statue of Liberty made of white marble. The three fortresses of San Marino are represented on her crown. At the square, you can witness the change of guard by the Guardia di Rocca throughout the day. There are a whole bunch of museums such as the National Museum of San Marino, the Torture Museum, the Museum of Curiosity, etc. but I didn’t feel inclined to visit any.
Palazzo Pubblico
Palazzo Pubblico
Palazzo Pubblico
San Marino
San Marino
San Marino
Basilica of St Marinus
Basilica of St Marinus
Basilica of St Marinus
For a panoramic view from the Apennines to the Adriatic Coast, head up the Guaita Tower or First Tower, dating back to the 11th century. Guaita literally means “to guard” and was once the headquarters of the Guardia di Rocca and was used as a prison until as recent as 1975.
Guaita Tower (First Tower)
View of Second Tower from Guaita Tower (First Tower)
Guaita Tower (First Tower)
Guaita Tower or First Tower
Guaita Tower (First Tower)
View of Second Tower from Guaita Tower (First Tower)
View of Second Tower from Guaita Tower (First Tower)
Guaita Tower (First Tower)
Cesta Tower (Second Tower) is the highest and most dramatic of the three towers of San Marino. At the highest point on Monte Titano, it looks like something out of Game of Thrones. Dating back to the 13th century, the Second Tower today houses the Museum of Ancient Arms.
Continuing to Cesta Tower (Second Tower)
Continuing to Cesta Tower (Second Tower)
Cesta Tower (Second Tower)
View of First Tower from Second Tower
View of First Tower from Second Tower
View of First Tower from Second Tower
View from Second Tower
San Marino
Cesta Tower (Second Tower)
Cesta Tower (Second Tower)
San Marino
Torre del Montale or Third Tower was built in the 13th century and used to guard over stone trenches that no longer exist. This tower is no longer open to the public.
Torre del Montale (Third Tower)
Torre del Montale (Third Tower)
San Marino has its own Sammarinese Euro coin. It also has a €5 Souvenir Passport Stamp at the tourist office near the funicular which I decided last minute to add to my passport 😀
The next couple of posts will be on my visit to Lake Garda. Stay tuned!
Thanks for stopping by!
Enter your email below for email subscription or keep checking back for more blog posts to come.
Alternatively, get connected through
my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/beatricetravelsblog or follow me on Instagram @beatricetravels.
Discover more from Beatrice Wong Photography
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
