What to See in San Marino

The city of San Marino is the capital of the country. This is a real medieval city with the remains of fortifications, narrow streets climbing up the slopes of Mount Titano, and old houses. San Marino lies on the southwestern slope of Mount Titano. Previously, it was surrounded by a triple ring of walls, each of which was built at different times.

The earliest belt was built in the 10th-12th centuries on top of Mount Titano, three fortresses were built here. At the highest point of the mountain stands the Chesta Fortress, now the Museum of Ancient Weapons is located here, where more than 500 exhibits of weapons from the end of the 9th century to the Middle Ages are presented.

Fortress Guaita (La Rocca) – the oldest fortress in San Marino, it was built in the 11th century. It was erected directly on the rocky surface without laying the foundation. Initially, the fortress served as a watchtower, later and until 1970 it was used as a prison, and at present the Artillery Museum and the Museum of the Guards are open here. Above the entrance to the fortress is the coat of arms of the republic. Check top-medical-schools.org for travel information in San Marino.

The third fortress of Mount Titano Montale. Just below these fortresses is the Basilica of San Marino , considered the most beautiful church in the city. It was built in neoclassical style. Inside the basilica are the relics of the country’s founder, Saint Marino. To the right of it is the small church of San Pietro. which was built in the 19th century. Above the marble altar of the church rises the statue of St. Peter by the sculptor Enrico Saroldi. In the rock near this church you can see two bedrooms, it is believed that Saint Marino and Leo first lived in them. On the grounds of the Basilica of San Marino is also the Church of San Francesco, founded in 1361. It is the oldest building in the Republic, and the wooden crucifix on the altar of the church dates back to 300 AD. Now the Museum of Church Art and the Art Gallery function here.

Second Belt of San Marino Walls was built in the 13th-14th centuries, now these walls are almost completely destroyed. Inside the district is the business part of the city with the Government Palace. The first stone of the palace was laid in 1884 on the site of the old House of the Commune. This building looks like a fortress – polygonal balconies, battlements, pointed towers and images of the patrons of the country adorn the palace. Inside, the Assembly and Audience Hall, the Council Hall with 60 chairs and a monumental fireplace, the Voting Hall and examples of medieval art have been preserved. In front of the Palace is Liberty Square, in the center of which stands the Statue of Liberty.

The third belt of walls dates from the 16th century. It houses the Degli Omerelli Gate, the Del Loco Gate and Tower of Torrione Teatre Titano.

In San Marino, be sure to visit the Wax Museum, which tells about the history of the republic and Europe, the Museum of Curious Things, the Museum of Torture with a collection of instruments of torture and the National Museum with an extensive archaeological and historical collection.

Northeast of San Marino is the small town of Borgo Maggiore. He is associated with San Marino 1.5 km cable car. In the city, it is interesting to see the church of San Antimo (18th century), the Vaglioni Oratori chapel (17th century), the complex of the Consolation of the Virgin Mary, the Center for the Study of Ancient Weapons and the Museum of Coins and Stamps. But the main attraction of the city is the Museum of Vintage Cars, where more than 25 Ferrari cars are exhibited. Other exhibits include a 1910 car owned by Margherita of Savoy, a 1916 Ford T, and Pope John XXIII’s car, a respectable 1959 Fiat.

In every city in the country there are ancient churches that are also worth a visit. In Acquaviva, the church of St. Andrew, in Cailungo, the complex of San Rocco Oratori, in Domagnano, the church of San Michele Arcangelo,- the church of San Paolo, in Montegiardino – the church of San Lorenzo, and in Seravalla – the church of St. Andrew.

East of San Marino, just a few kilometers from the city, is the Italian resort of Rimini with 15 km of sandy beaches.