The 11 essential things to do in San Marino

Want to discover one of the oldest republics in the world? Discover the must-see in San Marino.

Enclaved in the center-nord of the Italy San Marino is a micro-state of about 60 km2. Particularly famous for keeping its historical architecture, the city offers you a charming old fortified town full of charm. Visiting San Marino is therefore a must in the region.

Go to the discovery of this state by walking in the narrow streets and climbing Mount Titano. In addition to having many exceptional monuments, San Marino will also dazzle you by the sweetness of its climate and its gastronomic flavours.

During your stay in the heart of the Italian boot, visit the oldest Republics and its must-sees.

And to help you plan a dream holiday, Wanderlix has concocted you a guide of things to do in San Marino.

1. Freedom

It is impossible to visit San Marino without passing through Liberty Square. It is one of the most beautiful places in the region with a perfectly preserved architecture.

Here it is a jump in the past that awaits you during your stay in the smallest state in the world.

In addition to its monuments, the place of Liberty will also satisfy your taste buds. There are many restaurants and tea lounges.

Whether you want to enjoy a real Italian pizza or sip a cocktail on the terrace, you can admire the landscape that opens before your eyes.

2. Palazzo Publico

Always on the Place de la Liberté, discover the Palazzo Publico. From the outside, this neo-Gothic building is impressive with its lace architecture, bell tower, clock tower and bronze statue of the Saint.

Inside, go to the room Consiglio Grande e Generale and admire the fresco representing San Marino or the statue of Antonio Onofri.

The Public Palace is the seat of State institutions and the place where state ceremonies take place.

By visiting this building, you will understand the history and operation of the oldest of the Republics, whose constitution dates back to the year 1,600.

3. The towers of the Republic

What to visit in San Marino? The three towers of the Republic which constitute the emblem of the city. Originally, they were used as a defence against the Malatesta attacks from Rimini.

Today, they are an integral part of San Marino that would not be the same without these famous towers. Each has its own particularity:

• Guaita The first of the fortresses was built around the year 1000. Over the centuries, the tower has undergone numerous renovations;
• Cesta : within it you can visit the National Museum of Armies;
• Montale : built in the 13th century, its architecture is pentagonal. Unlike the other two towers, it is closed to the public.

A true symbol of the Republic, the three towers are both on the coat of arms, but also on the currency (read and euro).

4. San Marino Basilica

To visit San Marino and its religious buildings, go to the Basilica in the capital. Fully dedicated to the founder of the Republic, the deacon of San Marino, the Basilica was built between 1826 and 1838.

In neoclassical style, the monument replaces an ancient church dating back to the 4th century, whose dilapidation required reconstruction.

From the outside, you will see the façade as a porch where eight Corinthian columns stand. You then access a triple nave supported by sixteen columns.

Inside, the altar is adorned with a statue of the founding father of the community and houses part of his relics.

5. Mount Titan

It is on this mountain, located at 739 metres above sea level, that is the smallest Republic in the world. During your visit to San Marino, take advantage of it to take a large bowl of fresh air and explore this mountainous relief that is part of the UNESCO world heritage.

Nature lovers, a hike on Mount Titan will allow you to admire the main summits of Mount Titan, each inhabited by the Guaita, Cesta and Montale towers.

You will also discover the cavities formed by limestone rocks. It is also in these cavities that the founder of the Republic took refuge to escape persecution against Christians.

Joined by other persecutors, he founded the Christian community and gave birth to the Republic of San Marino in 301.

6. The cable car

One of the most fun ways to visit San Marino is to go through its cable car. With a length of 1.5 kilometers, it connects the city to Borgo Maggiore, the city located below.

All 15 minutes , you can take this funicular (whose journey lasts only two minutes) to discover the oldest republican city in the world. During the climb you will see a mountainous wall almost virgin.

In addition to offering you an unforgettable experience, the cable car allows you to save money since parking is cheaper in Borgo Maggiore than in San Marino.

7. The path of witches

What to do in San Marino to get out of the beaten paths? Direction le Passo delle Streghe (or the Chemin des Sorcières) for an isolated walk. In the day, you will encounter few tourists, and yet this place is absolutely exceptional.

The Way of the Witches strangely resembles the wall of China. This is the ideal place to take unique photos without having to change continent.

By connecting the first and second round, you will walk along a engraved collar in the stone. With crenate walls and stone staircases, this hike takes you back to medieval times.

If you have enough time, make the way in the evening to admire the sunset standing in front of you. Both mystical and romantic, the Witch Path is perfect for a romantic walk.

8. A shopping session

You are a true fashion victim ? San Marino is the perfect place for you. Less known than Milan , the city offers you many possibilities for a paved shopping session.

In the historic centre, it is the charming little shops that invade the streets. There you will find many products made in San Marino to bring back unique souvenirs.

The small state also houses large brands known both for fashion and perfumery.

9. Couvent Saint-François

The Conventual Convent of San Francesco Brothers was built in 1361. Originally, it was based in the city of Murata, but was moved to San Marino due to a risk of raid by Malatesta.

It was Pope Clement VII who authorized this change. Inside you will find the tomb of Bishop Marino Madroni belonging to the family of the Franciscan brothers.

Paints are also kept inside, especially those of Guercino and Raphael.

10. Medieval days

Visiting San Marino is making a leap in time. Apart from a typical medieval architecture, the city offers you, every summer, medieval days to experience a unique experience.

On this occasion, the inhabitants of San Marino wear the old costumes for a more real historical reconstruction than nature.

Festivities do not stop only in July and August, since throughout the year, many festivals celebrate music, sporting events, exhibitions, etc.

11. San Marino soldiers

Uncontournable in San Marino, the rotation of the guard is a spectacle not to be missed. Located in the square of Liberty, the soldiers ensure the folklore of the city.

All 30 minutes , enter 8:30 and 6.30 p.m. , you can admire these men in uniform who make the pride of the inhabitants.

The show only lasts 3 to 4 minutes , then prepare your camera to not miss this event.

Although San Marino is home to one of the smallest armies in the world, soldiers are able to satisfy the many tourists during the rotation.

To be done around San Marino

Rimini

Along the Adriatic coast, Rimini attracts many travelers every year for its fine sandy beaches. But the city is not just a resort, since its very rich history dates back to more than 2,000 years.

Named the Gulf of Venice , Rimini houses cultural and religious monuments all more beautiful than others. During your stay, you will cross the centuries between Roman antiquity and medieval times.

San Leo

About 20 kilometers from San Marino, San Leo offers a breathtaking landscape. The city rises on a hill of 600 meters high above the sea.

Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, San Leo makes you discover its castle, its religious monuments and many other things.

How to get to San Marino?

• Guaita The first of the fortresses was built around the year 1000. Over the centuries, the tower has undergone numerous renovations;

• Cesta : within it you can visit the National Museum of Armies;

• Montale : built in the 13th century, its architecture is pentagonal. Unlike the other two towers, it is closed to the public.

From France there are several ways to go to San Marino:

• ♪ aircraft : there is no airport in San Marino, but in Rimini, which is about thirty kilometers from the city. You will find several offers on Skyscanner to get the best prices. And if you are not vehiculated, many bus depart from Rimini;
• ♪ train : Just like the airports, the nearest train station is in Rimini;
• ♪ car : this is the easiest way to visit San Marino. Just take the highway A4 towards Bologna/Ancona.

Where to stay in San Marino?

Hostel, hotel or apartment in Airbnb, there are for all tastes and for all budgets.

To benefit from the most advantageous rates, feel free to use a Compare hotels.

Since San Marino is a state, you can sleep directly in the capital with the same name to enjoy the city’s growing. And if you want a little more tranquility, don’t hesitate to get excited to wake up with exceptional landscapes.