San Marino is a tiny state in Italy, which is a cozy oasis of freedom. Many people call it the mountain that managed to become an entire republic. What to see in San Marino? – you may ask. It’s hard to believe, but on a fairly small area of just over 60 km2, there are a lot of interesting things. The sights of San Marino will be of interest to any traveler who decides to explore the Italian lands.
What is the first thing to see in San Marino?
For those who do not know, San Marino is a dwarf state surrounded on all sides by Italian lands. Despite its small size, it includes as many as 9 communes-cities, each of which has something interesting.
1. Monte Titano Mountain
Titano Mountain is visible for many kilometers Mario Bollini
It is worth starting to describe the sights of San Marino from its highest point, located in a certain part of the Apennines. The mountain rises 740 m above sea level, and it stands in the central part of the capital of the dwarf state. Don’t know where to go in San Marino? Try to conquer the described height. There you will see fortification towers, ancient gates, walls, bastions. The neoclassical basilica also attracts attention. From the highest point, you can explore not only the country in which the mountain is located, but also those located in the neighborhood.
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2. Basilica of San Marino
Entrance to the Basilica of San Marino Giorgio Minguzzi
The next attraction of San Marino is the main church of the city, which has the appearance of a neoclassical building. It has a covered gallery supported by eight columns of the Corinthian order. Above them is an inscription in Latin. Not so long ago, the basilica was included in the list of World Heritage Sites. The description of this place says that a small urn is installed under the altar, which contains some of the relics of the saint. They were found at the end of the 16th century. Along the paths leading from the church, you can reach the famous fortresses of Montale, Cesta, which are also considered the sights of San Marino.
3. Piazza della Liberta
View of the city square of the capital of San Marino Cezar Suceveanu
In the northern part of the historic center of Florence there is a square founded in the XIX century. This was done in the process of creating an urban ring road. Tourists like to spend time in the open space around the gate of St. Gall. Once it was limited to a moat, fortress walls, and in 1738 a Triumphal Arch was built. The former structure of the square was demolished in 1865, after which it was surrounded by similar buildings with arcades made in the classical style.
4. The Museum of Torture
Facade of the Torture Museum in San Marino Corradox
Guides in San Marino often offer guests of a tiny state to visit an interesting institution located in the historical part of the city. The museum is the only one of its kind that allows you to learn about the history of torture. His collections number more than 100 pieces of guns, all kinds of devices. They were invented to hurt other people. This landmark of San Marino is interesting because it provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the instruments of torture, time-tested and institutions of the Roman Catholic Church that fought against heresy. Those that were invented in the XX century are no exception. The torture reconstruction workshop deserves special attention, the Iron Maiden, the Inquisitor’s Chair, the Heretic’s Pitchfork, etc. are considered classic tools. The spectacle is certainly not for people with weak nerves.
5. Montale Tower
The third Montale Tower on the Titano Pedro Rock
The towers standing on Mount Titano are considered to be the symbol of the described state. There are only three of them, the last one is called Montale, it is depicted on the reverse side of the one-cent coin. The described landmark of San Marino has the shape of a pentahedron, you can enter the tower, for this you need to climb 7 m. An interesting fact is that in the Middle Ages it was a prison, there is a deep well in the rock, into which prisoners were once lowered. Now this place is not free to visit, but it is worth climbing the tower at least to appreciate the beautiful view of the surrounding area.
Official website: https://www.sanmarinosite .
6. Church of San Francesco
Church of San Francesco in San Marino Cezar Suceveanu
What to visit in San Marino? In the central part of the city there is the oldest temple, built back in 1400. The landmark for his search is the State Museum on Via Piana Street. The described temple has been restored several times, during the last alteration it was given a neoclassical style. Not so long ago, the facade and the covered gallery with columns were restored in their original form. The process was led by an experienced architect named Gino Zani. Getting acquainted with this landmark of San Marino, pay attention to the crucifixion, which is located on the main altar.
See the beautiful places of San Marino in this wonderful video!
7. Museum of Curiosities
At the entrance to the Museum of Curiosities in San Marino © Ra Boe
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Do you want something unusual? On the recommendation of many travelers, visit the museum, where quite strange and unusual objects are collected and presented. Their peculiarity is that they were created in different eras and in different parts of the earth. The main selection criterion was unusual. If these are copies of objects and people that once existed, they are presented in full size. The reviews of surprised tourists say that this landmark of San Marino can be safely called “Incredible, but a fact!”.
8. Museum of Modern Weapons
Samples of tinman6 weapons
We continue the topic of the main attractions, which should be paid attention to first of all. This category includes the antipode of the museum’s Chest, which contains examples of modern weapons, mainly those used during the Second World War. Excursions to San Marino are often organized here, tourists try to take as many photos as possible to capture interesting expositions.
San Marino Attractions: What else to visit in San Marino?
Although the state is not big, but the trip here cannot but be remembered with vivid pictures. First, a rating of the best attractions was proposed, now let’s move on to another category.
9. Palazzo Publico
The Parliament Building of the Republic of San Marino Andreas Trepte
Have you always wanted to get into the heart of the political life of a tiny state? Welcome to the government building, which is also used as the City Hall. What to see in San Marino? The building where the ceremonies are held, where all the most important people sit, deserves attention. A trip here will not disappoint, because tourists are allowed to explore the town hall from the inside, appreciate the beauty of its interiors, wall paintings.
10. La Chesta Tower
Overview of the La Chesta Defensive Tower
Don’t know what to see in San Marino in one day? Rate one of the three towers located on the peaks of Monte Titano. In terms of excursions, it is the most attractive for tourists. She has a good overview of the territory, and the hill has an interesting history of appearance and existence, which the guide can tell you.
11. Adventure Park (San Marino Adventures)
Rope route for children in the adventure park
There are interesting places in the republic for outdoor enthusiasts. We are talking about an extensive recreation area where there is plenty of space for picnics. Adults and children can’t help but like rope parks, which will require endurance and skill to conquer. Haven’t figured out what to see in San Marino yet? Go to the adventure park and let yourself immerse yourself in the world of conquering peaks, overcoming difficulties.
12. Guaita Tower
The majestic fortress of Guaita Shesmax
Continuing the topic of what you can see in San Marino, I would like to draw attention to the first of the three world-famous towers. It is also known as Prima Torre, and was built in the XI century. In the old days it was used for defense purposes.
13. San Marino State Museum
Plaque at the entrance to the Aisano State Museum of San Marino
What to visit in San Marino from the old? A great option is the museum, which was opened more than 100 years ago. The funds were used by those donated by citizens of a small state. The building has a wide variety of expositions, of particular interest are those related to art, numismatics, and archaeology. Artistic and historical artifacts that are directly related to the history of the republic are no exception.
In conclusion, I would like to say that it is not enough to know what to see in San Marino, you still need to competently approach the organization of recreation in an unfamiliar country. There are also hotels in San Marino, but it is better to book rooms in advance using special services. By the way, for those who do not know, the mini-state does not have its own airport, you will have to get here by bus from Rimini. They follow the route 6-8 times a day.
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