San Marino - Where History, Culture, and Beauty Converge
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Travel Notes: Europe - San Marino Travel Notes.
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San Marino Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes
Experience the meeting of history, culture, and beauty in San Marino. Explore San Marino's historic landmarks, cultural marvels, and breathtaking vistas.
About San Marino
Claimed to be the 'world's oldest republic', San Marino is the third smallest state in Europe (after the Holy See and Monaco).
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Mapping San Marino
Map of San Marino
San Marino is a small, landlocked microstate located entirely within Italy.
San Marino Overview
San Marino is often considered the world's oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic, tracing its founding back to AD 301.
Culture
San Marino has a rich cultural heritage, with its historic centre, Mount Titano, and the Three Towers of San Marino being designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The country celebrates various festivals and events throughout the year, including the Feast of Saint Marinus (the country's national day) and the San Marino Grand Prix, a motorsport event held annually; down the road in Imola, Italy.
Economy
San Marino's economy is primarily based on tourism, banking, and the sale of postage stamps and coins.
It benefits from a low-tax regime and has historically been considered a tax haven.
However, in recent years, the government has taken steps to increase financial transparency and comply with international standards.
Government
San Marino is a parliamentary representative democratic republic.
The country is governed by the Constitution of San Marino, which was adopted in 1600 and is one of the world's oldest written constitutions.
The government consists of a popularly elected Grand and General Council, which appoints two captains regent to serve as the heads of state.
The captains regent hold office for a six-month term.
History
According to tradition, San Marino was founded by Saint Marinus, a Christian stonemason who sought refuge from religious persecution in the Roman Empire.
He established a small community atop Mount Titano, which eventually grew into the present-day republic.
San Marino has maintained its independence throughout centuries of political upheaval in the Italian peninsula.
Location
San Marino is situated on the north-eastern side of the Italian Peninsula, near the Apennine Mountains.
It is entirely surrounded by Italy, specifically by the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Marche.
Population
San Marino is one of the smallest countries in the world by population.
Its population is predominantly ethnic Sammarinese, although there are significant numbers of Italians living in the country as well.
Tourism
Despite its small size, San Marino attracts a significant number of tourists each year.
Visitors are drawn to its picturesque medieval towns, historic sites, and scenic landscapes.
Popular attractions include the Three Towers of San Marino, the Basilica of San Marino, and the Palazzo Pubblico (Public Palace).
Visiting San Marino
A unique and historically significant destination, San Marino offers its visitors a glimpse into a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty.
Whether you're interested in exploring ancient fortifications, enjoying panoramic views, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of this charming microstate, San Marino is sure to please you.
Basilica of San Marino
Visit the Basilica of San Marino, dedicated to the country's patron saint, Saint Marinus.
Admire its beautiful architecture and interior decor, including frescoes and religious artifacts.
Festivals and Events
Check the calendar for any festivals or events taking place during your visit.
San Marino celebrates various cultural and religious festivals throughout the year, offering opportunities to experience local traditions and customs.
Getting There
San Marino does not have its own airport, so the most convenient way to reach it is by flying into nearby airports in Italy, such as Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport or Rimini Federico Fellini Airport.
From there, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach San Marino.
Historic Centre
The historic centre of San Marino, located atop Mount Titano, is the heart of the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore its narrow cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and stunning viewpoints overlooking the surrounding countryside.
Outdoor Activities
If you enjoy outdoor activities, take advantage of the natural surroundings of San Marino.
You can go hiking or biking in the nearby hills and forests, or even try paragliding for a unique perspective of the landscape.
Palazzo Pubblico
Explore the Palazzo Pubblico, the seat of San Marino's government.
You can visit the Public Palace's State Museum to learn about the country's history, culture, and political system.
Practical Travel Tips
Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes, as the historic centre of San Marino has many steep streets and staircases.
Also, be prepared for changes in weather, as temperatures can vary depending on the season.
Shopping and Dining
San Marino is known for its shopping opportunities, particularly for luxury goods, fashion, and electronics.
Explore the shops along the streets of the historic centre, and don't forget to try some local cuisine at one of the many restaurants and cafes.
Three Towers of San Marino
Don't miss the iconic Three Towers of San Marino: Guaita, Cesta, and Montale.
These ancient fortifications offer panoramic views of the landscape and provide insight into the country's rich history.
The Most Serene Republic of San Marino
The Most Serene Republic of San Marino boasts an association with some of the leading characters in the play of history.
Napoleon offered gifts and friendship to San Marino, in 1797, and expressed the wish to extend its territorial boundaries.
There might have been no San Marino today, if the humble people of the free city had not rejected the grandiose plans of the little Frenchman.
A better man by far was Abraham Lincoln. In a letter to the Captain's Regent in 1861, he showed his friendship and sympathy for the people of San Marin by saying:
Although your dominion is small, nevertheless your state is one of the most honoured throughout history. The great Abe had also read about their refusal to do a deal with Monsieur Bonaparte.
San Marino grew in stature when it offered asylum to Garibaldi, who fled from Venice after the end of the Roman Revolt of 1849.
And during World War II, the stone-cutter's hills became a safe haven for over 100,000 refugees.
The
Postcard Republic:
Camel trains and indigenous people will not be found on the road to San Marino. Most
holidaymakers make the trip up from Rimini to send their postcards.
From the town of Borgomaggiore, a cable-car carries some of the punters up to the capital, San Marino town.
Those who arrive by coach miss this little delight as they are driven up to the heart of medieval commercialism.
As in Italian cities, the streets fill with the smell of pizza and pasta sauces, but the breeze that chases the aroma has a cooling effect because of San Marino's hilltop position; seven hundred and fifty metres above sea level.
Apart from buying postcards and tacky souvenirs, the highlight of a trip to San Marino is a walk through the forest paths to the three tower fortresses that crown the peaks of Mount Titano.
No cars are allowed in the city itself, but there are plenty of modern parking areas beyond the thick stone walls.
Citta Marino Map
Much of what is seen in San Marino town is a reconstruction; right down to the detailed fancy dress.
Outside the palace, reconstructed in 1894, tourists queue up to have their person recorded alongside a Ruritanian guardsman.
The men in green jackets with brass buttons stand serious while the rabble in beach wear smile stupidly beside them.
With stunning views across the neighbouring countryside to Rimini and the Adriatic Sea, it is easy to see how this tiny republic was so defendable.
The modern armies of tourists are welcome of course, and even the Church has changed with tradition for them.
Where Catholics used to put a few coins in the box and light a candle for loved ones, the Basilica del Santo has now installed rows of electric candles.
As wave upon wave of tourists ebb and flow, the curator periodically switches off the candle lights to encourage the deposit of more money into church funds.
After a few hours in the medieval streets, most of the tourists then switch off their culture craving and return to Italy's number one beach resort.
San Marino doesn't have as hectic an events calendar as Milan or Rome, but the Feast of the Foundation of the Republic - complete with crossbow challenge - is always held on the third of September.
Where to Stay in San Marino
Grand Hotel San Marino
Grand Hotel San Marino: Viale Antonio Onofri 31, San Marino.
This four-star hotel rises on the peak of Monte Titano, close to the Rocche and the old town centre.
If you're looking for somewhere special to stay in the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, the Grand Hotel San Marino could be the perfect address for you.
Relax in front of the fireplace during winter, or gaze at the breathtaking view of the Montefeltro landscape. Some rooms even have balconies with panoramic views of the Apennines.
Hotel Cesare
Hotel Cesare: Via Salita Alla Rocca 7, San Marino.
This charming hotel in San Marino is not only ideal for couples looking for a romantic atmosphere, but is also a great destination for people coming to Mount Titan for a business trip.
Hotel Cesare offers a choice of 18 rooms in six wonderful colours to awaken your emotions.
A quality choice of traditional and gourmet cuisine to satisfy the most sophisticated palates is offered in the Cesare Restaurant offers; with a menu iof innovative flavours, masterfully created by chef Graziano Canarezza.
Hotel La Grotta
Hotel La Grotta: Contrada Santa Croce 17, San Marino.
An ideal three-star Superior hotel for couples and families, you can enjoy wonderful views and suggestive walks along the picturesque streets of the Unesco Heritage Old Town, where Hotel La Grotta is situated.
Hotel Titano
Hotel Titano: Contrada del Collegio 31, San Marino.
The allure of a building dating to the late 1800s is clearly evident from the entrance to the lobby, whose architecture and interior design are perfectly integrated with the historical city centre of San Marino.
The four-star Hotel Titano offers a romantic environment and is close to excellent restaurants and attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring San Marino.
Regent Boutique Hotel & Spa
Regent Boutique Hotel & Spa: Via Luigi Cibrario 24, San Marino.
Located just minutes from the Rimini Sud motorway exit and the coast, and a stone's throw from the magnificent historic centre of San Marino, the hotel offers a stylish, modern setting which blends seamlessly with the destination in all of its nuances.
Guests have praised the Regent Boutique Hotel & Spa for its comfortable and environmentally conscious atmosphere, spacious rooms with balconies offering splendid views, and the varied and abundant breakfast.
San Marino Tourism Board:
Via Paolo III, 1
47890 - Rep. di San Marino.
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