San Marino

Understand

The Republic of San Marino (Italian: Repubblica di San Marino) is the world's oldest republic and Europe's third smallest state. It is the sole survivor of the patchwork of independent city-states that used to make up the Italian peninsula before the unification of Italy. It lies above sea level with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and Adriatic coast, only from Rimini.

Legend has it that the founder of San Marino, Saint Marinus, a stonemason, arrived from the island of Rab in Dalmatia, and climbed Mount Titano to found a small community of Christians, persecuted for their faith by the Emperor Diocletian. The country is said to have been founded in 301 AD. San Marino gave itself a constitution in 1600, the oldest written constitution still in effect, and the only republican constitution written in Latin that still has the force of law.

During the tumultuous period starting with the French Revolution, San Marino managed to preserve its independence through several strokes of luck. First, a Sammarinese politician befriended Corsican general Napoleon Bonaparte during his Italian campaign, but wisely declined his offers for more territory. Later, the small republic gave refuge to other Republicans throughout Italy, including Garibaldi, which made him disposed to respect Sammarinese wishes to stay independent. San Marino also gave honorary citizenship to Abraham Lincoln, which inspired the Great Emancipator to laud San Marino's old and stable republican institu…

Get in

San Marino is only accessible through Italy. There are no border controls when travelling between Italy and San Marino, so it's safe to say that you need a Schengen visa to enter (if you are required to get one, that is). If you want a passport stamp, you can obtain one for €5 from the at Contrada Omagnano, 20.

If you plan on staying for more than 30 days in the country, you need to get a permit from the government.

Get around

thumb|Costa dell'Arnella, a walking path between Borgo Maggiore and the City of San Marino Once you're inside the walled city, it's small enough to simply walk around. There are only a few streets on which cars are able to drive (and only if they are small cars). Be aware that the City of San Marino is quite vertical, making it potentially difficult for those with mobility issues to climb the switchback cobblestone streets. However, there are elevators scattered throughout town that allow easier movement up and down the city.

There is a cable railway (funivia) connecting the city of San Marino to Borgo Maggiore. €3 for a one-way ticket, €5 round-trip (Aug 2024).

Outside of the capital, walking is not so easy. San Marino is the only country in the world with more vehicles than people, and it shows—sidewalks are inconsistent at best, especially when going between towns. However, there is a shaded stone path, Costa dell'Arnella, between the City of San Marino and Borgo Maggiore. It starts at the western end of Contrada Omerelli and ends a short distance from the Borgo Maggiore cable car station. Because the City of San Marino is so high up, the path is quite steep.

The bus from Rimini is somewhat useful for travel between towns, and San Marino also has its own bus system.

See

thumb|The fortress of Città di San Marino seen from the side of torre Guaita on Monte Titano San Marino’s main attractions are the three towers, which feature on the national flag. Only the and the are open to visitors. They are small castles at the top of Mount Titano, offering excellent views over San Marino and Italy as well as the Adriatic Sea. The third and smallest of the towers, , is inaccessible and was once used as a prison.

Cesta is the largest of the towers and inside, there is the Museum of Archaic Arms showcasing arms and armour from the Middle Ages to the 1800s. You can purchase the “Yellow Card” for €3 which lets you enter one castle, or the “Red Card” which lets you enter both and is €4.50. Between the two towers is a path which follows the city walls along the side of a cliff. The towers offer good photo opportunities.

Other attractions include:

Otherwise, walk around! The narrow cobbled streets are full of surprises and you can go up and down the city to explore. You can climb the city walls and walk along it at places. There are virtually no cars and the streets have a very medieval feel.

Outside of the capital, nearby Borgo Maggiore has a historic centre. You can also see the San Marino lake in Faetano where fish can be caught.

Do

The Parco naturale del Monte Titano has several hiking trails. To find them, go to the Cesta tower and walk through the gateway to the right of the museum entrance.

Biking is also popular and at “San Marino Experience” you can rent an ebike.

Self-guided audio tour of San Marino – An audio guide that leads visitors through the historic centre, including the towers, main squares and landmarks. Ideal for exploring the city independently at your own pace. Official website

Eat

Italian dishes, like pasta, pizza, gelato (Italian ice-cream), and whatever you eat in Italy. Restaurants are easy to find, and some offer tables with great views.

Supermarkets in San Marino are few and far-between, although the following can help in this area:

Drink

thumb|A bottle of Sammarinese wine The local beers, mostly by Titanbräu and Birrificio, are very tasty. Spirits are also very commonly found, especially limoncello, a lemon liquor. Try the locally produced wine. The coffee, like in its Italian neighbour, is superb.

Sleep

Although San Marino has a few hotels, the seaside resort of Rimini has a lot more and is probably a cheaper option.

Stay safe

San Marino is an extremely safe country. You are unlikely to face any major dangers or threats.

As is the case anywhere, you should watch out for pickpockets and keep an eye out for your belongings at all times.

Driving laws are similar to those of Italy. If you plan on driving around in the country, you are required to carry a red warning triangle with you.

The city of San Marino is built on a mountain and many walkways in the city are quite steep. Try not to run on them.

As is the case throughout Europe, San Marino's emergency number is 112.

Stay healthy

This is a very healthy place. If you become ill, procedures are the same as the European Union, although serious conditions will likely see you transferred to Rimini.

Tap water is drinkable.