Best attractions in San Marino: Top 13

San Marino is a tiny state in Italy, a cozy oasis of freedom. Many people call it a mountain, which managed to become a whole republic. What to see in San Marino? - You may ask. It is hard to believe, but on the relatively small area of just over 60 square kilometers, fit quite a lot of interesting things. The sights of San Marino will be of interest to any traveler who has decided to get acquainted with the Italian land.

What to see in San Marino first of all?

For those who don’t 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 to see.

1. Monte Titano

Mount Titano can be seen from many kilometers away Mario Bollini

To describe the sights of San Marino, it is worth beginning with its highest point, located in a certain part of the Apennines. Above sea level the mountain rises at 740 m and it is located in the central part of the capital of a dwarf state. Do not 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 see not only the country in which the mountain is located, but also the surrounding areas.



2. San Marino Basilica

Entrance to San Marino Basilica Giorgio Minguzzi

The next attraction of San Marino is the city’s main church, which has the appearance of a neoclassical building. It has a covered gallery supported by eight columns of Corinthian order. Above them you can see the inscription in Latin. Not so long ago the basilica was listed as a World Heritage Site. The description of the place says that under the altar there is a small urn that contains some of the relics of the saint. They were found at the end of the 16th century. The paths leading from the church lead to the famous fortresses of Montale, Cesta, which are also considered to be landmarks of San Marino.



3. Piazza della Liberta

A view of the town square of the capital of San Marino Cezar Suceveanu

There is a square in the northern part of Florence’s historic center that was founded in the nineteenth century. It was made in the process of creating a circular urban road. Tourists love to spend time in the open space around the gate of St. Gall. It was once bounded by a moat and fortress walls, and in 1738 the Arc de Triomphe was built. The former structure of the square was demolished in 1865, after which it was surrounded by similar buildings with arcades in the Classicist style.

4. Museum of Torture

Facade of the Torture Museum in San Marino Corradox

Guides in San Marino often suggest that visitors to the tiny state visit an interesting institution located in the historic part of the city. The museum is the only one of its kind, allows you to learn about the history of torture. Its collections include more than 100 pieces of instruments, all kinds of gadgets. They were invented to hurt other people. This attraction 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, which fought against heresy. Those invented in the twentieth century are no exception. Of particular note is the Torture Reconstruction Workshop, with the classic instruments being the Iron Maiden, the Inquisitor’s Chair, the Heretic’s Pitchfork and others. It is not for people with weak nerves.

5. Montale Tower

The third Montale Tower on the Titano Cliff Pedro

The towers standing on Mount Titano are considered the symbol of the described state. There are only three of them, the last one is called Montale and is depicted on the back of a one cent coin. The described landmark of San Marino has the shape of a pentagon, the tower can be entered by climbing 7 meters. Interesting fact, in the Middle Ages it was a prison, in the rock there is a deep well 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 stands the oldest church, built back in 1400. The reference point for finding it is the State Museum along Via Piana. The described temple has been restored several times, during the last remodeling it was given a neoclassical style. Not so long ago the facade and the covered gallery with columns were restored to their original form. The process was supervised by an experienced architect named Gino Zani. As you get to know this San Marino landmark, note the crucifix located on the main altar.

Check out the beautiful places of San Marino in this great video!

7. Museum of Curiosities

The entrance to the Museum of Curiosities in San Marino © Ra Boe

Want something out of the ordinary? On the recommendation of many travelers, visit the museum, where quite strange and unusual objects are collected and displayed. Their peculiarity is that they were created in different eras and in different parts of the world. The main criterion for selection was unusualness. If it is a copy of once existed objects, people, they are presented in full size. Reviews of astonished tourists say that this attraction of San Marino can be safely called “Incredible, but fact!”.

8. Museum of modern weapons

Samples of Arms tinman6

Continuing the theme of the major sights worth paying attention to first. This category includes the antipode of the Chest Museum, which contains examples of modern weapons, mostly those used during World War II. Excursions to San Marino are often organized here, and tourists try to take as many photos as possible to capture the interesting displays.

Attractions in San Marino: what else to visit in San Marino?

Although the state is not large, but a trip here cannot help but be remembered by vivid pictures. First offered a rating of the best sights, now let’s move on to another category.

9. Palazzo Poglico

The building of the Parliament of the Republic of San Marino Andreas Trepte

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 town hall. What to see in San Marino? The building where ceremonies are held, where all the most important people sit, deserves attention. A trip here will not disappoint, because tourists are allowed to see the town hall from the inside, to appreciate the beauty of its interiors, wall paintings.

10. La Cesta Tower

Review of La Cesta Defensive Tower

Not sure what to see in San Marino in one day? Appreciate one of the three towers located on the peaks of Monte Titano. In terms of tours, it is the most attractive for tourists. It has a good overview of the area, and the hill has an interesting history of appearance and existence, which your guide can tell you.

11. San Marino Adventures

A ropes course for children in the adventure park

There are interesting places in the republic for lovers of outdoor activities. We are talking about an extensive recreation area with plenty of places to organize picnics. Adults and children can not fail to enjoy the rope parks, to conquer which will require endurance and skill. Not sure what to see in San Marino yet? Go to the adventure park and immerse yourself in a world of conquering peaks, overcoming difficulties.

12. Guaita Tower

The Majestic Fortress of Guaita Shesmax

To continue the theme of what to see in San Marino, we would like to draw attention to the first of the three world-famous towers. It is known under the name of Prima Torre and was built in the XI century. In former times it was used for defense purposes.

13. San Marino State Museum

Memorial plaque at the entrance to the San Marino State Museum Aisano

What to visit in San Marino from vintage? A great option is a museum that opened more than 100 years ago. The funds used were those donated by the citizens of the small state. The building has a variety of expositions, of particular interest are those related to art, numismatics, archeology. Art and historical artifacts 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, still it is necessary to organize the rest in an unfamiliar country. Hotels in San Marino, too, 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, so you have to get here by bus from Rimini. They follow the route 6-8 times a day.

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