San Marino

Nestled in Itlay a few miles off the Adriatic Coast, San Marino owes much of its modern tourism industry to the distinctive capital (bearing the same name), which rises proudly above the Italian landscape atop Mount Titano. The city is vertically built, making for some tough walking, but is well worth it: stunning vistas of the Adriatic Sea, or the Po river valley are only half the attraction. Within the city itself, a medieval castle and three fortresses make this a one-of-a-kind sort of place.

While it is the world's second smallest republic, San Marino is a proud nation, with a distinctive identity. Named after the saint who is said to have first settled the area, the Sammarinese remain devoutly religious. Holy days fill up the calendar. A less religious, yet wholly entertaining festival is the Medieval Days with Antique Crossbow Competition, which acts as an enjoyable reinforcement of the city's medieval image.

San Marino is completely surrounded by Italy.

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Brief History

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Geography

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Regions

San Marino is divided into nine municipalities, known locally as Castelli (singular: castello), literally castles.

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Cities

San Marino - The capital city
Dogana

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Sights and Activities

San Marino (Italy)

Three Towers of San Marino

Built on the three peaks of Monte Titano, which is the tallest mountain in the republic, the Three Towers of San Marino are stunning hanging off the tops of these peaks. The towers were originally built as look out towers in order to protect the republic. Guaita is the oldest tower on the three peaks and overlooks the city. This tower was originally built in the 11th century and was briefly a prison at one time. Cresta is the highest of the three towers and museum to honour Saint Marinus is located in the tower. This tower was constructed in the 13th century. Montale is the smallest of the three towers and was constructed in the 14th century. Montale is not currently open to the public.

Palazzo Pubblico

The Palazzo Pubblico (Public Palace) is the city hall for the City of San Marino. This fortress like building is the site of all public ceremonies and seat of the Republic's main institutional and administrative bodies. After hundreds of years of abuse the building under went a massive restoration process recently.

Hiking

With many mountains and some nice green space San Marino has some great hiking. Explore the mountains around the area or go on an urban adventure.

Other Sights and Activities

Mount Titano - Is the highest peak in the country and stands at 749 m.
Monastery of Santa Clara
Sports - Check out one of the two local football teams in action.

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Events and Festivals

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Weather

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Getting There

By Plane

There is no airport in San Marino. The nearest airport is Federico Fellini International Airport (RMI) in Rimini, Italy, located 16 km away. Bus services connect the airport to San Marino. Air Berlin has flights from Amsterdam and Berlin. Ryanair has connections to East Midlands, London and Stockholm.

There is also an international heliport located in Borgo Maggiore.

By Train

A train station, tunnel and train line were built in the 1930s to link the city with Rimini but it was closed after the war and never reopened. There have been some proposals to reopen the line but it never seems to happen.