San Marino is one of the smallest countries in the world. For people visiting the region of Emilia-Romagna in Italy, it’s a quick way to chalk up another country on their list. When I checked my list, San Marino (map) came in at #78. That’s the thought that sprang to my mind as I boarded the bus in Rimini, a beach town on the Adriatic Sea, for my day trip to San Marino.

I must confess to knowing little about this tiny enclave in Italy. Prior to my visit, I knew two things about the republic: the San Marino Grand Prix Formula One race and its football (soccer) team (unfortunately, the source of numerous football jokes in Holland). What I discovered during my day trip to San Marino was a country steeped in history, with fiercely-independent people who take great pride in their culture and heritage. I quickly realised that San Marino was much more than just #78.

A bit about San Marino

San Marino is the fifth smallest country in the world with a land area of roughly 61 square kilometers (24 square miles). Fully enclosed by the region of Emilia-Romagna, San Marino gained its independence in 1291. It’s known to be the world’s oldest republic. San Marinese speak Italian and use the Euro as their currency. The capital, also called San Marino, has a spectacular location atop Monte Titano (Mount Titan). From here, the views across to the medieval towers perched precariously on the ridge are absolutely stunning!

A relic of medieval times when there were numerous powerful city states in Italy, San Marino is a wonderful country to explore. Despite its size, it has a surprising variety of attractions and activities for visitors, not least because of its long and colourful history and centuries-old traditions. To recognise this, San Marino was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2008. There are many things to see in San Marino, making it more than worthwhile to visit, even as a day trip from Rimini, Bologna or Florence. Another great reason to visit San Marino is its tax-free status, which makes shopping here cheaper than in Italy.

My day trip to San Marino

A stroll around San Marino

The first thing I noticed as the bus crossed the border from Italy into San Marino was the number of banks along the road. Banking and tourism it is then – no wonder San Marino is one of the world’s wealthiest countries on a per capita basis. The bus zig-zagged up the imposing Monte Titano (the country’s highest peak and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and location of the historic town of San Marino) and stopped at the Piazzale Nazioni Unite where everyone disembarked. From here, I walked to the edge of the impressive town walls and gaped at the view. Spread out before me were green hills covered in a patchwork of meadows, vineyards and forests. The peaks of the Apennine mountains glistened in the distance.

San Marino Inner Town

I continued my stroll through the historic Porta San Francesco into the inner town. As soon as I passed the gate, I was greeted by a maze of steep streets and alleys fanning out in different directions. The main street was lined by a multitude of tax-free shops and boutiques, cosy cafés and restaurants.

San Marino Parliament

I climbed the cobblestone streets past the many shops to the main square, Piazza della Liberta, where the House of Parliament is located. San Marino has a multi-party parliamentary system where the Captains Regent are the Heads of State. The Parliament building provides wonderful insights into the country’s history and unique political system. It’s quite amazing to learn how San Marino maintained its independence through the centuries – a testament to the diplomatic prowess of its rulers. Many alliances were formed with surrounding states and a neutral status was chosen during the big wars. One alliance of note was that with the United States, signed during the American Civil War in which President Abraham Lincoln was made an Honorary Citizen of San Marino.

During the summer months, visitors can view the changing of the guards at the Parliament, which is performed frequently every day.

The three towers of San Marino

From here, I continued my walk uphill towards the 11th century La Rocca o Guaita, or Main Tower. The Guaita tower is the oldest of the three towers that crown the three peaks of the Monte Titano. This is one of the town’s top attractions. It’s a treat to walk along the walls and inside the tower (where an exhibition illustrates the colourful history of San Marino). The views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic Sea in the far distance are nothing short of spectacular.

The other two towers are Cesta (which houses a museum of old weaponry) and Montale (closed to the public). It’s possible to hike from one tower to the next. If you’d like to visit the towers, please check if they’re open.

Cable car

One great thing to do in San Marino is to take the cable car down to Borgo Maggiore. The views (see photo below) are amazing!

San Marinese

As I strolled around the town, past picturesque squares, age-old alleys and gorgeous gardens, I couldn’t help but notice the proud faces of the San Marinese, from the Guards of the Rock at the Parliament to the shopkeepers. They have every reason to be, considering the great achievements of the citizens of this tiny enclave to maintain their independence and create a prosperous economy. I boarded the bus for San Marino with the intention to simply chalk up another country for my list. However, I left with a more enlightened sense of history for this region and deep respect for this little enclave.

San Marino can easily be done as a day-trip from Rimini. However, I recommend spending a few days there. The evenings are absolutely enchanting and you can explore other villages such as Borgo Maggiore.

Booking.com

A few more tips: bring your passport to the tourism office for a unique stamp of San Marino. For the philatelists, buy some postage stamps at the post-office – these stamps are a collectors item. The same goes for the country’s Euro coins! Don’t forget to bring one home with you. You can plan your San Marino visit at Visit San Marino.

San Marino is also a recommended destination in the Ultimate Euro Food Trip and is included in my suggested Emilia Romagna road trip itinerary.

Note: my visit to San Marino was part a collaboration between the Emilia-Romagna Tourism Board and iambassador.

Save