If there are small countries on the planet, one of them is San Marino, the oldest republic in the world. It is in Europe, nestled in Italy and very close at hand, so perhaps, while traveling there, you can get closer to knowing it.
It must be very strange to know practically all your neighbors but people say that is the case in San Marino. Does the idea of stepping on a tiny republic that it has not one but two regents and is almost as small as the Vatican or Monaco? Well, you will see that yes ... Find out walking through San Marino!
San Marino
It's a enclave of Italy with a landscape marked by mountains, which enjoys a climate with hot summers and very cold winters. Is just 10 kilometers from the beautiful Adriatic Sea but it has no outlet to the sea.
It is not part of the European Union but the coin is the euro, with your own design. The country has a average population of 30 thousand people and Italian is spoken. Naturally, due to its location, the Italian influence is very evident. It is located in the center of Italy and you can get there by road, by plane or by train. Trains depart from the Rimini terminal and from various Italian airports you can catch a flight.
Tourist attractions in San Marino
It must be said that the territory of San Marino It is made up of nine small, very old settlements called castles. Each castelli offers its own so we will start with the castelli of San Marino, the capital itself.
Legend has it that San Marino was founded by the saint Marino who sought refuge on Mount Titano in 301 AD Today in the capital there are old houses of great historical value, some turned into architectural heritage or museums. The heart is the Piazza della Liberta bordered by the Palace delle Poste from the XNUMXth century, the Public Palace and the Archpriest which, although they were built in the late XNUMXth century, have medieval shapes.
In the center of the square is the Statue of Liberty It was built in 1896. Standing in the square you will have a wonderful view because in addition to the buildings on the other side you have a wonderful mountainous landscape. From medieval times there have been some strengths. The Basket is the tallest of the three still standing and was built in the XNUMXth century. Inside here you can visit the Museum of Ancient Weapons.
There is also La Guaita, which is a little more holy, from the XNUMXth century and has crenellated walls. And finally there is the Montale which is from the thirteenth century and inside which you can see an old dungeon. All three were part of the defense system of San Marino. Being here you cannot miss the Changing of the Guard in the Palace of the Republicto which takes place from June 17 to September 17 (already finished), every day several times a day.
My advice is that you sign up for San Marino panoramic train. The trip lasts 40 minutes and lets you know places that you would hardly visit alone. In addition, it is accompanied by an audio-guide narration and thus you learn the history of the country while you appreciate the wonderful views of Borgo Maggiore, Monte Titano, cross tunnels between mountains and walk. This train runs from July 1 to September 30 and departs from Piazzale Calcigni at 5 pm. It costs 7 euros per adult.
If you like to walk you can follow the path of the Costa dell'Arnella. A enchanting stone walk linking San Marino with Borgo Maggiore up the hill. There are medieval ruins and great views and you get to the historic center of Borgo through the medieval gate of Porta della Rupe.
At Castello Montegiardino there is a very nice castle, recommended to visit. This castello was annexed in the second half of the XNUMXth century and has Lombard or even older origins. It also has a XNUMXth century church that preserves an old XNUMXth century altar. Fiorentino It is the name of another of the San Marino castles. Its heart is an old fortress called Malatesta and it was annexed to the state also in the XNUMXth century.
The truth is that archaeologically speaking it is a very interesting area because it has been an important crossroads throughout regional history. Chiesanuova it also has a medieval heart that is concentrated in a fortress, the Castle of Busignano. The views of the Alps are exemplary from its height.
Living Water It takes its name from a natural spring that emanates from the rock of this castle. Today the village is a most picturesque destination because the humidity makes its terrain lush and green. You can visit, for example, the Monte Cerreto Natural Park that offers many outdoor activities.
domagnano It was born as a very small village in the 1463th century and its fortress, Montelupo, was annexed to the territory of San Marino in XNUMX, in the same annexation movement that incorporated Fiorentino and Montegiardino. The views from the castle are beautiful because you can see the nearby sea and Mount Titano.
PhaetanoLike the previous castelli, it used to be owned by the Malatestas of Rimini until the conquest and annexation. Its historic center is beautiful with its Casa del Castello and its old church. There's a lake for boating, the Marano River, and great views. Another castelli is the Borgo Maggiore, an old market village that was founded in 1244. It has a handful of churches, narrow streets and monuments so UNESCO has awarded it the title of World Heritage.
The best thing is to take the cableway to the historic center of the capital from here to take the best photos from the heights. SerravalleOn the other hand, it is even older, apparently from the XNUMXth century. It used to be an important city and also has small streets and a medieval castle worth visiting.
Practical information for visiting San Marino
Luckily there are no formalities at the border so anyone who can enter Italy can enter San Marino. This small state is very active all year round but of course summer is the best season of all to travel it and enjoy it because its landscapes are wonderful. There are old forests with hiking trails and family adventures, you can climb, get lost in caves or sleep outside with the tent.
San Marino offers us visitors Free WIFI. It has a WiFi network and its own application to access information and services.