San Marino

San Marino, ancient homeland of freedom, is a small medieval gem located behind Rimini and the Adriatic coast. With its iconic monuments, its philosophy inspired by freedom, and the possibilities of unusual and affordable shopping, it is a must-stop for those who want to spend an out-of-the-ordinary day.

Where San Marino Is Located

The Republic of San Marino is situated on Mount Titano, at an altitude of 738 metres. The mountain's name is almost a paradox: the Titans, in Greek mythology, were giants. San Marino, however, is the smallest republic in the world, as well as the oldest.

The History of San Marino

In the 4th century, the Dalmatian stonemason Marino, who had escaped with other Christians from the persecutions of Diocletian, took refuge on this mountain, so inaccessible as to guarantee safety. A few centuries later, during the investiture controversy, San Marino established itself as a Comune with its own statutes and consuls. It was 1263: for another two centuries, the citadel of Titano managed to expand its territory, which reached its current extent in 1462, covering 60.57 square kilometres. It made its independence a reason for survival and was able to withstand the insistence and attacks of bishops, popes and local lords. The "reward" was the official recognition of autonomy, sanctioned and reconfirmed at three different historical moments: in 1740 by Pope Clement XII, by the Congress of Vienna in 1815, and in 1862 by the newly established Italian state. But the history of San Marino is above all a medieval history — to breathe it in, simply take a stroll through the streets of the village, a labyrinth of narrow, pedestrianised lanes, made of stone houses and buildings, dotted with small shops.

What to Visit in the Historic Centre

The historic centre of San Marino has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth visiting. The tour can begin at Piazza della Libertà, where the Palazzo Pubblico stands, austere and imposing on the edge of the cliff. Designed by the Roman architect Francesco Azzurri, it was inaugurated on 30 September 1894 with a speech by Giosuè Carducci on "perpetual freedom". Also worth a visit is the Basilica del Santo, which houses the relics of San Marino, founder and patron of the city. Not to be missed is the walk among the Three Towers of San Marino: Guaita, Cesta and Torre del Montale. The first two can be visited; the Cesta tower houses the Museum of Ancient Arms. Numerous Museums are also located in the centre: the State Museum, the Museum of Curiosities, and the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Shopping in San Marino

The Republic is a great bazaar offering the cosmopolitan crowd of visitors souvenirs of every kind, from reproductions of arms, medieval crests, crossbows, swords, daggers and maces, to products of traditional craftsmanship such as leather bags and shoes, as well as toys, jewellery and much more. Collectors can find valuable stamps, as philately is a thriving activity of the State. The trade in liqueurs is also widespread: local companies produce hundreds of different types, often "inspired" by more famous labels. Purchasing perfumes and tobacco products is also good value.

What Do You Need to Enter San Marino? Practical Information for the Visit

The Republic of San Marino is located 10 km from the Rimini coast, connected by the Rimini-San Marino Superstrada SS72. Since there is no railway station on Mount Titano, the Republic can only be reached by car or bus. To enter the Republic of San Marino, all you need is an identity document, to be shown to the customs officers if required.