Many people have not heard about the Republic of San Marino, but they believe me, this small condition, which is only 61 km long2 (23.5 square miles) is really worth a visit! Being surrounded by Italy in all sides, San Marino is often confused with another Italian city. However, this small country stubbornly clung to its independence for more than 1700 years. San Marino may be small and often ignored by tourists, but he has a few interesting things that can be seen and do, so make sure that you make it part of the European trip line.
Marino’s summary history
The Republic of San Marino claims that it was founded again in the year 301 AD, when the stones were named Marinos He escaped religious persecution to create a society on Titano Mountain. This makes it the oldest continuous republic in the world and a vivid testimony on the ancient republic and the democratic self -base. A legacy that endured for more than 1700 years!
The factors that contributed to their long independence are multiple. On the one hand, the geographical location in the country over Monte Titano in the Abenin Mountains in Italy made it difficult to overcome.
Over the centuries, the Republic maintained the policy of neutrality, especially during the main conflicts and monotheism movements, in order to avoid becoming a goal.
In 1797, Napoleon protected the independence of San Marino until the expansion of its territory, a gesture rooted in a friendly friendly.
But the person who saved San Marino from his merging in the new Italian state was Giuseppe Garpaledi. During the Italian monotheism in the nineteenth century, Garibaldi and his revolutionaries found a shelter here, so he helped be gratitude in ensuring the independence of San Marino.
The most important things to do in San Marino
San Marino is a small place, so you don’t need much time to explore tourist attractions. However, if you have time to visit it, you will discover that there are some unique things to visit here.
Climbing the three towers
Certainly the most important attraction in San Marino is the three towers – Guita, Cesta and Montale – which is located at the Monte Titano. The towers are the symbol of the tongue of Marino, and therefore also appear on the country’s flag as the weapons coat.
Johoeta Tower
The oldest three constellations are guaita (or Rocca) that was built directly on the mountain stone without any foundations. This tower dates back to the eleventh century and is among the oldest castles in Italy. There are two episodes of the walls where people had during the siege.
You can reach the tower by climbing a very narrow and severe staircase, but the voltage is worth it. From the top you will get a beautiful view of the entire valley.
tower
The second tower known as Cesta (or Fratta) sits a little away, on another peak from Mount Titan. This is the highest, rising at an altitude of 756 meters above sea level. The second tower was built at the end of the eleventh century, and it was the headquarters of guard and also included some prison cells.
The tower today includes the ancient weapons museum, which includes firearms, arches, arches, and shields dating back to different periods between the Middle Ages and the end of the nineteenth century.
From the top, you can look back towards Guita and watch the third tower as well.
Montali Tower
The third tower called Montale is not open to the public because it is difficult to reach. However, you can still walk all the way. Walking takes about 10 minutes of the second tower along a picturesque path on the mountain hills.
This tower dates back to the late thirteenth century and is the smallest in size. However, it played a strategic role in the country’s defense because it sits in the best monitoring position. He was also working as a prison during the fourteenth century.
Walking in Passo Delle Steghe (Magic Path)
One of the most beautiful things to do in San Marino is to walk along the magicians (Passo Delle Steghe), which connects the first and second tower. These shaded passers -by in stone on the hills from Titano Mountain have gained their name from a local legend. The story says the path was a place to gather magicians to perform mysterious rituals around large fires.
This is definitely one of the most lighting locations in San Marino that provides picturesque views of Castillo Dela Kasta and the Edreyek Sea.
Visit Piazza Della Liberta
Piazza Della Liberta is the most popular year in San Marino. This historical place is a government center and a symbol of the independence of the Republic. Here you will find Palazzo PUBBLICO – the government seat – and the statue of freedom, a marble statue that symbolizes the country’s freedom.
Piazza is a center of local events and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. There are a number of stores in the box and places to eat. You can even see the guard change here.
Tour in the general palace
Palazzo PUBBLICO (General Palace) is in fact the hall of the town of San Marino as well as the official government building. This is the headquarters of the main administrative bodies of the Republic: Leaders of Regent, the Grand and Public Council and the State Conference. Below is also where the official state ceremony takes place.
The palace is open to the public at specific times throughout the year, but it is closed on specific holidays and during the official celebrations. To visit Palazzo Pubblico, you will need to buy a ticket, but if you buy San Marino Pass, the entrance is included.
Step inside the Basilica Saint Marino
The great cathedral in the center of San Marino is the main church in the country and a great teacher. The cathedral is located in the Piazza Domus Plebis, and it is a deep spiritual significance site because it includes the effects of St. Marinus, founder and sponsor of San Marino.
The interior features three naval forces and two sideways that create a spacious and traditional design in Basilica. Besides the main altar decorated with a statue of the saint, there are also many marble massacres, as well as beautiful paintings, gentle glass and potatoes.
Tour the streets of the historic center
Walking is the best way to experience the historical center of Sin Marino. Most of the old town is exclusively dedicated to pedestrians, allowing you to explore freely. You can wander around the tight alleys and streets paved with gravel, climb stairs and check the souvenir stores. Walking about a great way to find unexpected views and interesting angles. And do not worry about being lost because this is a very integrated area.
Get San Marino seal in your passport
One of the most beautiful things to do in San Marino is to visit the San Marino office for tourism and make it seal your passport for you. Although you do not need a visa to reach San Marino, many tourists like their passports to be sealed when visiting this small country.
The stamps cost only 5 euros and this money goes to promote San Marino tourism.
How to reach San Marino
San Marino can only be reached by bus or by car, as there is no train station or a nearby airport. The nearest city is Rimini, which is about 20 km. In Rimini there is a busy connection that takes about one hour to San Marino and vice versa. There are frequent contacts through Bunley and Bundettini bus every hour and 30 minutes and costs 6 euros. You can check the Bonelli bus schedule here.
We came to the car as we were on a bigger tour of Italy and we did not face any problems to reach it. We can also find parking, which is a problem in Europe in general.
Parking in San Marino is available throughout the city and is relatively inexpensive. You can choose to leave your car below the hill in Borgo MAROUR and use it (Din San Marino Cable Car) To reach the historical center. Or you can drive it, if you do not mind driving the hard mountain roads. There are some parking spaces in the historical center, but they fill very quickly during the summer months.
Other interesting things can be known before visiting San Marino
Culture and traditions
While San Marino is very affected by its Italian surroundings, it maintains a strong national identity and is proud of its history. The country has a rich and unique culture, with distinctive traditions. This is San Marino’s Day on September 3, when the samarin revives the establishment of a republic. If you are lucky to be here on this holiday, you will witness marches, concerts, military screens and medieval legislation.
There is also the anniversary of Areno on March 25, when they celebrate the occasion of the 1906 meeting that regained the direct democratic elections and ended more than three centuries of the oligarchic rule by the Grand and Public Council.
Other traditions include the Day of Saint Agatha and the days of the MEDOEVA MEDOEVA, a festival that turns the city into a medieval environment with armored guards and traditional costumes.
language
Although the official language is Italian, the samarin also uses the accent of Emiliano Romanio, which integrates local phrases into their daily conversation.
One of the interesting things is that although it uses the euro as an official currency, San Marino is not part of the European Union.
San Marino government
The Republic of San Marino has no presidential system in itself. Instead, it contains two status heads known as Captain Regent. This system dates back to the thirteenth century.
Two of the captain Rignet work as head of state and government for a period of six months. This thirteenth century tradition guarantees a balance in power. The head of state is usually elected from the opposition parties. Not only that. San Marino has a long history of female leadership. Over the centuries, at least 20 women have served as Copts Regent.
How to explore San Marino
San Marino’s historic center is a very small place that can be easily exploited on foot and without any guidance. Do not be afraid to lose the narrow alleys because in the end it will end in the place where I started. There is no way to lose your way completely.
Regarding the time needed to visit San Marino, we had only one full day and night and we thought about it. This does not mean that you will run out of things that you can do if you have more time, but if you just want to visit the main attractions, it should be 1-2 days enough.
