San Marino

San Marino, the ancient home of freedom, is a small medieval jewel located behind Rimini and the Adriatic coast. With its iconic monuments, freedom-inspired philosophy, and curious and affordable shopping opportunities, it is a must for those who want to spend a different day than usual.

Where San Marino is located

The Republic of San Marino is located on Mount Titan, at an altitude of 738 meters. The name of the mountain is almost a paradox: Titans, in Greek mythology, were the giants. San Marino, on the other hand, is the smallest republic in the world, in addition to being the oldest.

The history of San Marino

In the 4th century the Dalmatian stonemason Marinus, who escaped with other Christians from Diocletian's persecutions, took refuge on this mountain so inaccessible that it guaranteed safety. A few centuries later, during the struggle for investiture, San Marino erected itself as a municipality and gave itself statutes and consuls. This is 1263: for another two centuries the Titan citadel managed to expand its territory, which in 1462 reached its current size, 60.57 square kilometers. It made its independence a reason for survival and was able to stand up to the insistence and attacks of bishops, popes and lords of the area. The "prize" 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 formed Italian state. But San Marino's history is, above all, a medieval history, and to breathe it in you need only take a walk through the streets of the village, a maze of narrow, pedestrian-only streets made up of stone and stone houses and palaces, dotted with stores.

What to visit in the historic center

The historic center of San Marino has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth a visit. The tour can start from Freedom Square, where the Public Palace, which stands stern and imposing overhanging the rock, is located. Designed by Roman architect Francesco Azzurri, it was inaugurated on September 30, 1894 with a speech by Giosué Carducci on "perpetual freedom." Also worth a visit is the Basilica del Santo, which houses the relics of St. Marino, founder and patron of the city. Don't miss the walk among the Three Towers of San Marino: Guaita, Cesta and Montale Tower. The first two can be visited; the Cesta Tower houses the Museum of Ancient Arms. There are also numerous museums located downtown: State Museum, Museum of Curiosities, Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Shopping in San Marino

The Republic is a large bazaar offering souvenirs of all kinds to the cosmopolitan crowd of visitors, from reproductions of weapons, medieval coats of arms, crossbows, swords, daggers, mace totypical handicrafts such as leather handbags and shoes to toys, jewelry, and more. Collectors can find valuable stamps, since philately is a thriving business in the state. The liquor trade is also widespread: local companies produce hundreds of different types, often "inspired" by more famous labels. Also convenient is the purchase of perfumes and tobacco.

What is needed to enter San Marino? Practical info for the visit

The Republic of San Marino is located 10 km from the Rimini coast, to which it is connected by the Rimini-San Marino SS72 highway. Since there is no train station on Mount Titan, the Republic can only be reached by car or bus. All that is needed to enter the Republic of San Marino is an Identity Document, to be shown to the gendarmes at Customs in case of controls.