Sights of San Marino
Despite the tiny size of this country, it has something to please its foreign guests. First of all, San Marino is interesting for its nature and medieval fortresses-towers. The complex of three fortress towers Guaita, Chesta and Montale is the hallmark of the republic and the main attraction of its capital, the city of San Marino. The image of the towers even adorns the local coins! Guaita was originally a prison since it was built in the 11th century, now there is an excellent observation deck here. Chesta, created in the 13th century, is located on the highest mountain in the country, Monte Titano, now it houses a museum of ancient weapons. The 14th century Montale Tower is the least accessible tower in this complex. The museums of San Marino deserve special attention, this is the Museum of Emigration on the territory of the monastery of Santa Chiara, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Museum of Reptiles, curiosity museum, wax museum, aviation museum, torture museum and many others. The second city of the country is Borgo Maggiore. Here it is worth visiting the 12th-century Borgo Maggiore Fortress, the clock tower, the only heliport in the country and, of course, the central square of Piazza Grande, where colorful fairs and antique markets take place. Do not miss the ancient fortress of the Malatesta family in the town of Torraccia, the Church of St. Paul in the commune of Faetano, the gates of the ancient castle in the commune of Montegiardino. San Marino has a thriving culture of fairs and various themed markets. Of greatest interest are the Mercatale market and the antiques fair on Via Scarito in Portici. In a place called Serravalle, there is an interesting Maranello Rosso museum dedicated to Ferrari cars. It contains over 300 beautiful specimens!
National cuisine of San Marino
Probably not surprising that the cuisine of San Marino is extremely similar to Italian, but here, as in every region of Italy, there are culinary traditions and features. For example, San Marino is famous for its delicious olives, as well as a variety of honey from chestnut, acacia and others. Be sure to try the corn polenta with sausages, tomato sauce and pecorino cheese, pasta with mint sauce and i strozapret cheese, fennel rabbit and piadina. Traditionally in winter in San Marino, various bean dishes with roasted pork are served. In San Marino, there are also “signature” local sweets. These are sweet pastries with corn flakes “Il Bustrengo” and “La Pagnotta” with the addition of raisins and aniseed vodka, as well as cakes “Titano” and “Tre Monti”.
Transport
According to indexdotcom, there is no airport in San Marino, but the Italian ones are very close. Rimini Airport (Federico Fellini International Airport) is 25 km away, Forli is 72 km, Falcone is 130 km and Bologna is 135 km. You can also get to San Marino by land transport, regular buses leave here from Rimini, a round trip costs about 6.8 euros, the journey time is 45 minutes. In San Marino, buses from Italy arrive at the Piazzale delle Autocorriere station, which is located in Piazzale Calcigni. If you are traveling by your own transport, you can get from Rimini to San Marino along the SS72 highway. The railway in San Marino is currently absent (dismantled after the Second World War), now the nearest railway station in the country is located in Italian Rimini. Note, that in almost the entire tourist area of the capital of San Marino, the use of transport is prohibited, so you will have to move here exclusively on foot. The funicular in Borgo Maggiore and the cable car will act as small helpers. If necessary, you can also use taxis available to order by phone or directly on the street. In the capital of the republic, you can rent a car, you will need an international driver’s license and a credit card as a deposit.
