A real life fairy-tale land. Landlocked inside of Italy is the world’s oldest republic founded in year 301 called the Most Serene Republic of San Marino. Step back in time to the days of medieval fortresses and knights perched high above the land on Mount Titano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It may be one of the smallest countries in the world, but it will leave one of the biggest impressions. Go.
Day 1
Guaita Tower (Main Tower)
Changing of Guards
Palazzo Publico
Day 2
Cesta Tower (Second Tower) Museum of Ancient Arms
Basilica di San Marino
Cable Car
Guaita Tower
The three towers are San Marino’s best known attractions, which are featured on the official flag of San Marino. Guaita Tower is the oldest, dating back to the 11th century. The views from the towers stretch as far as the Dalmatian Coast and over the nearby Apennines. Hands down some of the most gorgeous views in the world. The visit inside the tower won’t disappoint, as you’re instantly transported back in time a number of centuries.
Changing of the Guards
San Marino has one of the smallest military forces in the world, as National Defense is the responsibility of Italy’s armed forces. The changing of the guard occurs daily during the summer starting July 1st.
Palazzo Publico
Lady of Liberty is located in front of city hall. She’s wearing a crown with the three towers Mount Titano. San Marino is also known for the its Torta Tre Monti (“Cake of the Three Mountains”), which is a cake of layered wafers covered in chocolate depicting the Three Towers of San Marino. In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln warmly accepted San Marino’s offer of honorary citizenship. The panoramic view from the Palazzo, or from anywhere on Mount Titano really, never gets old.
Cesta Tower (Second Tower) Museum of Ancient Arms
Cesta Tower is one of the best known San Marino attractions. It is a fortress tower situated on a ridge at the summit of Mount Titano. Visitors can visit and tour the tower’s traditional weaponry museum, with many of the weapons dating back hundreds of centuries to the Middle Ages. From the top of the towers there are stunning views.
Basilica di San Marino
This is the main religious building in the country, as it contains the relics of St. Marino, who was the the founder of San Marino. Completed in 1855, it contains items dating to the 1600’s, including a small urn with the bones of St. Marino and a shrine which contains the top of the Saint’s skull.
Cable Car
You can ride a cable car down to explore more shops and restaurants in San Marino.
