The history of San Marino can begin with an amazing legend about Saint Marino, who fled to these parts in 298 from the island of Rab in Croatia. He worked in Rimini as a stonemason and was the discoverer of the quarries in Mount Titano. Then, he built a cell in the area of the top and retired from worldly fuss. Many, having learned about Marino, went to these places as pilgrims and began to equip dwellings around the mountain.
Thus, the monastery appeared, which by the 7th century became both politically independent and completely independent.
San Marino is considered perhaps the oldest in Europe and the smallest state. And the mountain peak of Monte Titano and the towers built on it are marked on the emblem and flag of the state.
Traveling around San Marino is better to start from the capital, where the most interesting sights and museums are located. Many of them are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Only here you can see more than 250 different brands of cars at once.
Start exploring San Marino from the city’s Liberty Square (Piazza della Liberta), which is adorned with the majestic statue of Liberty on a two-cent coin. On the square, you can also see the main residence of the government, Palazzo Publico, with an observation deck from which you can see all the delights of the city.
Every resident of San Marino is proud of Monte Titano. And no wonder. After all, it has three peaks and each has its own tower, its own history. The Guaita tower, built in the 11th century, can be considered the oldest. It contained prisoners who did not even have the opportunity to escape from the tower, since the entrance is located at a height of more than 7 meters. Another tower – Montale is even on the coin of San Marino. The tower was built in 1320 in the shape of a pentagon. Later it was connected with other towers by a common wall. The Chesta Tower was built in the 12th century, but it still looks decent enough for its advanced age. This tower houses a huge collection of weapons from different times (about 900 items) and even armor.
On the site where the building of the main Basilica of San Marino rises today, there once stood a small church built in honor of St. Marin in the Middle Ages. In the temple itself, the relics of Marin and his sculptural portrait are stored. In 1982, the church was blessed by Pope John Paul II. The decoration inside the temple is also striking. Especially beautiful is the vault of the dome, held by marble columns and walls decorated with scenes from the Gospel. And yet, the decoration of the temple is an organ with amazing acoustics.
You should definitely visit the monastery of Santa Chiara (claris convent), built in the 17th century. Once upon a time there was a school where novices were taught the basics of various crafts. The monastery, after restoration, is occupied by the rector’s office of the state university and several exhibition halls. There are halls occupied by the emigration museum.
Be sure to visit the Museum of Modern Art, opened in 1956. The museum regularly hosts exhibitions of works by masters of the brush of different times. But, much attention is paid to young talented artists. The museum’s collections include paintings by Renatto Guttuso, Calla, Kunz and so on.
And, of course, visit the recreation area, which is called the Adventure Park by the locals. The uniqueness of the park is that these are the most fascinating rope routes (for both adults and children). To do this, the daredevils are provided with the entire arsenal of climbing equipment, and all trips are made under the supervision of experienced instructors and climbers.
San Marino is full of greenery and flowers. There are always a lot of tourists here and not a single one left here dissatisfied. Don’t forget to take your camera with you. There will be a lot of impressions.
