Landlocked San Marino is a micronation of superlatives. With only 12 km in diameter, it is the 5th smallest country in the world. More impressively, it is the world's oldest republic and the oldest surviving sovereign state. As the solitary survivor of an era when powerful city-states like Venice and Genoa ruled over Italy, the historic old town sits atop Mount Titano. Its steep alleys, medieval towers, and well-preserved fortresses exude a unique charm. From every corner of the old town, visitors enjoy incomparable 360-degree panoramic views that truly impress.

Top Highlights of San Marino

Best Activities in San Marino

Wander up and down the steep streets

This might not be the top attraction in San Marino, but it's the first thing you'll experience in the medieval old town. San Marino is situated high up, and the alleys are quite steep compared to what most of us are used to. On your walk (or hiking trail ;-)) you'll discover quaint boutiques, inviting cafés, and picturesque corners that beckon you to linger. Architectural gems like the Palazzo Pubblico and the Basilica of San Marino enhance the cityscape. Surprisingly, there is a wide variety of weapons on offer, from crossbows and knives to air rifles. It's still unclear where this comes from.

Explore the Three Towers

San Marino's iconic towers are a testament to the city's medieval heritage. If there is one thing you do in San Marino, then you should go explore them. The first tower, Guita or also Rocca, dates back to the 11^th^ century and is thus one of the oldest fortresses in Italy. The tower and fortress you can visit today, was rebuilt in the 15^th^ century and was used to shelter people during sieges. The fortress isn’t large, but it gives you an impression of former times and you can learn about the fortress’s history. Also, climb up the narrow ladder of the highest turret and take in the truly fantastic panoramic views. The second tower, Ceste houses the Museum of Ancient Weapons. On two floors you can view over 500 crossbows, bows, firearms and armour dating between the Middle Ages and the 19th century. Montale, the third tower, is closed to the public.

Take in the Panoramic Views

San Marino's elevated position offers spectacular panoramic views. Head to the scenic viewpoints, such as the Titano Square or the panoramic terraces near the Three Towers, to witness breath-taking vistas of the Apennines, the Adriatic Sea, and the picturesque countryside.

Visit the Palazzo Pubblico Town Hall

The Palazzo Pubblico, an imposing building in the neo-Gothic style, serves as the town hall and seat of government for the world's oldest republic. The current building was constructed between 1884 and 1894 on the foundations of an older structure from the 14th century. The palace was later extensively restored and reopened in 1996. Visitors can admire the richly decorated facade adorned with symbols and coats of arms. A tour of the interior reveals the magnificent council chamber where the parliament has been meeting since 1848, and the elegant antechamber of the president. The square in front of the palace, the Piazza della Libertà, also provides a historic atmosphere and is a central point for San Marino's political and state ceremonies.

Insight into San Marino's History

In the State Museum of San Marino, also known as Museo di Stato, the fascinating history of this tiny state comes to life. The museum is housed in the Palazzo Pergami Belluzzi. Since its opening in 1899 and after a relocation in 2001, it houses nearly 5,000 artworks and historical objects, spanning from archaeology, art in San Marino to a coin collection. Visitors can admire an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures by artists such as Guercino and Pompeo Batoni, as well as ancient coins from San Marino and (donated) artifacts from Egypt, Etruria, and Rome.

Travel Information

Language: Italian
Currency: Euro

Do I need a passport for San Marino?

Although San Marino is not part of the European Union, there are no border controls and it is unlikely that anyone checks your passport. For fun, you can request a stamp in your passport at the tourist department for a small fee.

Best time to visit San Marino

The ideal time to visit is from May to July and again in September. You will enjoy warm, sunny weather with low risk of rainfall. July and August are with 40mm precipitation the driest months. If possible, avoid the peak season in summer. It can get quite hot and you will encounter more fellow tourists. As said, they mainly come for a day trip from the beach town Rimini.

How long should you stay?

One day is sufficient to explore the compact historical centre of San Marino. Many visitors come for a day trip from Rimini. However, we found spending a night in the old city was well worth it. This allows you to enjoy the sun set, and gives you enough time to visit the three towers as well take a leisurely strolls through the historic center.

How to get to San Marino?

It is best to visit San Marino by car. It is easily accessible from Rimini (30 min), Ravenna and Bologna. The nearest airports are in Rimini and Bologna. Many visitors from Rimini come to San Marino for a day trip by bus.

Walking in the Old Town

Be aware that the historic centre of San Marino is on a mountain, its streets are steep and only accessible on foot. We highly recommend good footwear due to the cobblestones and steep streets. If you plan to stay overnight, we suggest to carry only a backpack or small suitcase (with your valuables and change of clothing) up to the hotel. Trust us, otherwise you will curse the entire way up and by the time you arrive at your hotel you will need a shower.

Parking

San Marino's parking infrastructure is sufficient and well organised. All parking lots in the centre of San Marino are outside the ZTL- restricted traffic zone. You can find a map of all parking places here.

Tipping

Similar to Italy. If a service charge is included in your bill, you don't need to tip. It it isn't, tip between 7% - 10%.

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Shopping

San Marino has no VAT system. The state only has an import tax of 17%. Thus, you may be happy to find goods and gas cheaper than in the neighbouring Italian towns. Explore San Marino's charming boutiques for unique souvenirs. The historic centre offers a range of options, from traditional crafts, fashion as well as all kinds of weapons.

Regional Specialties

What to Eat

It is probably of no surprise that San Marino's local cuisine has been greatly influenced by the neighbouring regions Romagna and the Marche. It is a simple and delicious cuisine which mainly features local vegetables, meats and seafood from the closeby ports.

Unique dishes of the Sammarinese:

• Faggioli con le cotiche: bean and bacon soup served usually at Christmas
• Pasta e cece: Chickpea noodles flavoured with garlic and rosemary
• Strozzapreti and various pasta dishes
• Variety of Ragu: popular across the entire region, try a rabbit stew
• Coniglio con finocchio: Roasted rabbit with fennel
• Piadina: As in the entire surrounding region you will find this flatbread stuffed with ingredients like stracchino, arugula, and raw ham.
• Polenta: is a common winter dish typically accompanied by sausage sauce, grated pecorino cheese, or with bird sauce, lard, and sage.
• Icappelletti: this pasta in broth is a favourite during Christmas time

Desserts:

• Torta Tre Monti: A layered wafer, hazelnut and chocolate cake symbolizing the Three Towers of San Marino. Indulge in this iconic dessert for a sweet taste of the microstate's history.
• Titano Cake: Five layers of square pods filled with cocoa cream, coffee, and hazelnuts, finished with dark chocolate
• Verretta: is named after an arrow used by the Balestrieri and is composed of hazelnuts, pralines, and wafer pieces covered with chocolate
• Pagnotta: dessert with raisins and anise

What to Drink

San Marino also produces their own local wine. With fish and white meat the white Biancale or Roncale is served. For red wines a Brugneto or Tessano is a good choice. If you like sweet muscat wine, try the San Marino Moscato.

If you are interested in an after-dinner drink, local liqueurs are an excellent option:
order Tilus, a truffle infused bitter, Duke of Guelfo, an herbal liqueur or Mistra, an aniseed-flavoured liqueur.

Recommended Restaurants

La Terrazza Ristorante: The restaurant may cater to tourists, but its location is without competition. Reserve a table next to the window front for stunning unforgettable views. The restaurant is situated next to the Palazzo Publicco and offers a fusion of delicious Italian and local flavours. If you are looking for a romantic dinner, this location will offer memorable views during sunset.

Fun Facts about San Marino

• San Marino daties back to A.D. 301 and is the world's oldest surviving sovereign state.
• The Three Towers of San Marino are featured on the country's national flag.
• Although completely landlocked within Italy, San Marino is not part of the European Union or the Eurozone. Nevertheless, the state uses the Euro as a currency.
• Curiously, postage stamps and coins are an important source of income and keenly sought by collectors.
• Although so tiny, San Marino has its own military. One of the smallest in the world!
• Based on San Marino's ancient constitution, two heads of state are elected every six months. They are known as captains regent and they serve with equal powers.
• Since San Marino's tax rate is lower than in Italy, quite a few businesses and wealthy Italians have made the microstate their home base. The corporate tax rate is 14.5% instead of Italy's 23%.

Festivals & Events

• The Medieval Days Festival in an fun event at the last weekend of July. Experience during four days the medieval atmosphere of music, historical re-enactments and competitions. More information here
• The Investiture of the New Captains Regent takes place every April and September outside of the Government Palace. It celebrates the installation of the Heads of State. Visitors can experience the very strict but attractive protocol.
• The San Marino World Motorcycle Championship is highly popular with motorcycle fans. The event takes place in June and thousands of visitors come to witness it.
• The San Marino Jazz Festival is one of the most famous festivals in the state. It is held in Borgo Maggiore in June and attracts many world-famous jazz artists.
• Festival of San Marino: On September, 3rd, the state celebrates its founder, patron saint and namesake, Marino. On this national holiday, a historic parade takes place through the ancient streets, ending at the Basilica of the Saint for a blessing. Later, visitors can enjoy a crossbow shooting competition in the Crossbowmen's quarry and a concert of the Military Band. The day ends with spectacular midnight fireworks.
• The Adriatic Music Festival takes place in July. Musicians from across the globe perform during several days in the public squares and pedestrian streets.
• Marvels of Christmas: From 21st December on, the historic centre turns into a festive Christmas village full of Christmas stalls, with dwarfs and Santa Clauses singing and bringing joy to visitors.