🏰 San Marino: mini-guide to the dwarf state
When traveling through the Italian region of Emilia- Romania, be sure to include in your itinerary a visit to one of the smallest states in the world – San Marino. The incredibly beautiful landscapes of this place will be a pleasant bonus in your collection of impressions.
Five interesting facts about San Marino:
- The area of San Marino is only 61 sq. km. About 33 thousand people live here.
- The state is not a member of the EU, but has open borders with Eurozone countries.
- San Marino is surrounded on all sides by Italian lands. The country does not have its own airport. The official airport is Rome Ini Airport.
- The main currency of the country is the euro, but it is allowed to mint your own landmarks on coins.
- San Marino is the oldest republic in the world.
How did this small state appear?
According to legend, in 301 Marino, a member of one of the first Christian communities, fled from the persecution of the Roman emperor to the mountains. At the top of Monte Titano he built a small cell, and nearby he equipped a quarry in which his shoulder-bearers worked. Over time, the fame of Marino began to spread throughout the surrounding area. Pilgrims began to come to the mountain, and the community of free masons grew.
In the 6th century, the successors of Marino's work founded a monastery in honor of the saint. This place was independent of neither the emperor nor the Pope of Rome. And in 855, San Marino was given the status of a republic. Since then, the state has been headed by two captain-regents, whose elections are held every six months. The country consists of nine municipal cities, each of which has an ancient fortress. The capital of the republic bears the same name as the country – San Marino.
What to see in San Marino?
Fortress walls, medieval architecture and stunning views are the main tourist attraction of the tiny republic. Thanks to us travelers, its historical center is quite crowded. In fact, the population of the capital is only about 4 thousand people.
A. Porta San Francesco
First entrance to the city. It was built together with the third part of the fortress wall in the 16th century.
Next to the gate is B. Church of San Francesco. This is the oldest surviving temple in the country – the cathedral was built in the 14th century.
C. State Museum of San Marino
Here you can get acquainted with the history of the country. The museum houses archaeological finds, art objects and ancient coins.
In the same building, there is a separate entrance on the side – it leads to the Museum of Medieval Criminology and Torture. The collection includes more than one hundred exhibits. Some of them were used by the Roman Catholic Church to fight heretics.
D. Crossbowmen's Quarry
This quarry was opened in the 19th century. Stone was mined there for the restoration of the Palazzo Publico, which I will talk about later. Now this place is used for crossbow shooting competitions.
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E. Palazzo Publico
The neo-Gothic town hall was built at the end of the 19th century. The facade depicts the coats of arms of the republic and its four municipalities.
Freedom Square, where the palace stands, is the center of city life. From the balcony of the Palazzo Publico, on April 1 and October 1, the names of those who will govern the country for the next 6 months are announced. The inauguration of the captains-regents is held in medieval style – you can come and watch.
F. Basilica of St. Marino
This cathedral houses the relics of the founder of San Marino. In the 4th century there was another church here, but time has not preserved it. The current neoclassical temple was built in the 19th century.
Fortress of Guaita
The three towers of the medieval fortress, located on the top of Mount Titano, are the main symbols of San Marino. At one time they were used as a prison. Now on their walls there are observation platforms from which you can admire the miniature republic and the Italian expanses surrounding it.
G. Guaita Tower (translated as “First”) is the oldest. It was built in the 11th century.
H. The Cesta Tower (“Second”) stands on the peak of Monte Titano – 755 meters above sea level. It was built in the 13th century and was a watchtower. The gate leading to the tower was built 3 centuries later. Now in Chest there is a Museum of Ancient Weapons.
I. The Montale Tower (“Third”) appeared next on the second. She is the smallest. The structure served as a signal point when it was necessary to defend against attacks.
After walking around the main attractions of San Marino, you can take the funicular and ride down to the castle town of Borgo Maggiore. The cable car is only 1.5 kilometers, but these few minutes at bird's eye view will add romance to the trip.
Another nice place in the republic is the town of Montegiardino. It is the smallest in San Marino – about a thousand people live here. Montegiardino is home to the only university in the country.
To deeply experience the atmosphere of the ancient republic, it is worth coming here during the “Days of the Middle Ages”. This festival takes place at the end of July. For 3 days, San Marino, whose architecture is already similar to the scenery of a film about knights, turns into a real movie set. Local residents dress up in authentic costumes and dance to medieval music. Theater shows are shown outside. The city hosts crossbow shooting competitions. At the local market they sell traditional products of that time and conduct master classes on their production.
What about food?
The cuisine of San Marino continues the traditions of the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. The restaurants here serve spaghetti, lasagne, tortelli, pizza, prosciutto and cheeses. But if you see Faggioli con le cotiche (bean and bacon soup) on the menu, order it, because it is a typical local dish. And for dessert, look for Tre Monti – a Sanmarinian waffle cake with chocolate or hazelnut cream.
By the way, prices in restaurants are lower than Italian prices and there is no additional service charge.
The icing on the cake is shopping.
San Marino is a duty-free zone, so things here are 20% cheaper than in Italy. People come here to buy leather goods (shoes, bags, jackets), as well as perfume, sunglasses and jewelry.
There are many small shops and boutiques in the old town – you can combine a walk with shopping. But it’s better to go to one of the local outlets. The most popular is the Azzurro Shopping Center.