Don’t let its size fool you – San Marino is packed with medieval history, stunning views, and tax-free shopping!
San Marino is a small but mighty country with a punch regarding history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of Italy, this country is a gem often overlooked by travelers.
Despite its size, San Marino offers visitors a wide range of experiences and activities, from exploring the historic city center to taking a cable car ride to the top of Monte Titano.
Whether you’re interested in art, history, or simply soaking up the Mediterranean sun, this list will explore the top things to see and do in San Marino to help you plan your perfect visit to this unique destination.
Here are some things to see and do:
- Visit the Three Towers of San Marino: These towers are the main symbol of the country and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Explore the historic city center: Wander the charming streets of San Marino’s medieval city center, full of shops, cafes, and museums.
- Visit the Palazzo Pubblico: This is the seat of government for San Marino, and it is also home to the country’s foremost art museum, the Pinacoteca.
- See the Basilica di San Marino: This is the country’s main church and is dedicated to the patron saint of San Marino.
- Take a cable car ride to Monte Titano: This mountain peak offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscape, and the cable car ride is an experience in itself.
- Explore the Museum of Emigration: This museum tells the story of San Marino’s emigrants and their contributions to the world.
- Visit the Museum of Curiosities: This museum is dedicated to strange and unusual objects and will surely entertain and surprise visitors.
- Go shopping – San Marino is known for its shopping, with many stores offering high-quality goods at tax-free prices.
- Attend the Medieval Days festival: This festival is held in July and celebrates San Marino’s medieval heritage with jousting, music, and reenactments.
- Enjoy the local cuisine: San Marino has a rich culinary tradition, with many dishes featuring fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables. Be sure to try the local wine as well!
Did you know?
San Marino also claims to have one of the world’s oldest and smallest armies. The military, known as the Guard of the Rock, was established in 1295 and comprised just 80 soldiers.
Despite its small size, the Guard of the Rock is responsible for guarding its three towers, which are the main symbol of the country, as well as the Palazzo Pubblico and other important buildings.
The soldiers are selected from the country’s citizens who are at least 25 years old and have completed military service.
A little history:
San Marino is a small independent country located in the heart of Italy. It is one of the world’s smallest countries and the oldest republic in Europe. According to legend,
it was founded in 301 by a Christian stonemason named Marinus, who fled to the region to escape persecution from the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Marinus established a small community on Mount Titano; over time, this community grew into a republic.
In the Middle Ages, It became a refuge for people seeking protection from wars and conflicts in neighboring areas. Its strategic location on Mount Titano also made it a valuable defensive position.
During the Renaissance period, it enjoyed a period of prosperity and cultural development. The country became known for its artistic and intellectual achievements, with many famous artists and scholars visiting the republic to study and work.
In the 1800s, San Marino became caught up in European political struggles and conflicts. The country was invaded by Napoleon’s troops in 1797 and later became a part of the Italian unification movement.
The people of San Marino could maintain their independence, and the country emerged as a sovereign state after the unification of Italy in 1861.
The country is a peaceful and prosperous country known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and tax-free shopping. It remains one of the most unique and fascinating countries in the world, with a history and culture that is truly its own.
