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Rimini & San Marino Tour Packages

Dive into adriatic splendor with our san marino and rimini tour packages.

Step into a realm of coastal allure and timeless history with our San Marino and Rimini tour packages. Our meticulously crafted tour packages offer an unforgettable exploration of these two captivating destinations.

Experience the vibrant seaside vibes of Rimini and unlock the ancient mysteries of the world’s oldest republic, San Marino. Whether it’s a quick Rimini trip, an immersive San Marino tour, or a blend of both, our packages are designed to deliver exceptional experiences that cater to various budgets.

For those searching for cheap holidays in San Marino without sacrificing the quality of the experience, we have just what you’re looking for. And for another great San Marino and Remini tour package, consider our Rimini & San Marino Beach & Party Tour.

Embark on your Adriatic adventure with us today! And if you have any questions about the tour options below, please contact us .

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A day trip to San Marino from Rimini

Despite its small size, the microstate of San Marino is a fantastic place to visit! It had been on my to-visit list for years. Back in 2012, my sister and I were invited on a road trip to San Marino with some guys from our hostel. At the time, we already had tickets booked for Pisa so couldn’t go. However, it got me interested and every time I visited Italy I always looked into a potential day trip to San Marino. When I found cheap flights to nearby Bologna, I couldn’t resist! I decided to stay in Rimini, as they have direct buses so it was the most convenient location.

How to Get There

The bus to San Marino leaves from just outside Rimini station. You can find the timetable on their website as it changes depending on the season. I recommend getting there as early as possible so that you have plenty of time to explore. It is possible to do a day trip to San Marino from Bologna by taking the train to Rimini first, but I highly recommend staying in Rimini as it’s also a great place to visit itself.

The bus itself is not very expensive. It was 6 euros when I visited, and you can buy tickets on the bus itself. Both times they said the card machine wasn’t working, so best to have cash. You can also buy tickets at a shop across the road from the train station if you want to have it in advance.

Make sure and get a window seat, as the views are absolutely stunning!

For those that would prefer to drive, there are several car parks available. You’ll still need to do a lot of walking once you arrive as the majority of the areas I explored were pedestrianised.

The bus drops you off just below the Porta San Francesco which is the main entrance to the city. From the bus, everything is uphill so the trip will also get you a lot of good exercise!

City of San Marino

The first place I visited was the State Museum which was a charming little museum. I would have loved if it had more displays and information on San Marino itself though. You can buy a multi-museum ticket that gives access to several locations, including the first tower and the public palace. This ticket is definitely worth the money and lets you skip the queues! I didn’t end up visiting the two art galleries, but I still felt it was good value.

After the museum, I started making my way uphill and reached a small garden area containing a variety of sculptures. After those, I found a tactile display about San Marino which I thought was great. The explanations were in Braille and it had various models of different landmarks that you could feel.

Up next I made my way to Liberty Square which contains the Public Palace. At the time I visited, there was a wedding happening in the square so I decided to come back later. I then reached the Basilica di San Marino which is free to enter. It has a lovely ceiling, and was a nice peaceful place to take a break.

After the basilica, it was time to head towards the First Tower. This was definitely the place I was most looking forward to visiting.

The Three Towers

The Three Towers of San Marino are probably the most iconic landmarks of the city. They appear on both the flag and the coat of arms, and definitely should not be missed! Their names are: Guaita (1st), Cesta (2nd) and Montale (3rd).

As I already had a ticket, I was able to skip the queue and head straight inside. There wasn’t a long queue when I was there, but I would definitely recommend having a ticket in advance if visiting during busier periods.

You can climb to the top of the first tower and get some fantastic views looking out across San Marino. You can even see all the way to the coast if the weather is good!

One of the most interesting things about the first tower is that it was used as a prison. In one of the rooms you can see some of the graffiti that the prisoners left behind!

Unfortunately, at the time of my visit, the second tower was closed for renovations. Despite being closed, I still walked up towards it so that I could enjoy the views. There was a lovely spot with picnic benches that I stopped to rest at, which offered a fantastic view of the first tower.

The third tower isn’t open to the public, however you can still walk there to get even more views. It’s a lovely peaceful walk there through the forest, and if you have time I would definitely recommend it! As you can’t visit it, it tends to be less popular so it’s also a great place to get away from the crowds!

Liberty Square

After my lovely walk to the towers, it was time to start heading back into the centre of the city. By now, the wedding crowd had disappeared leaving Liberty Square nice and empty.

In the centre of Liberty Square is the Statua della Libertà, San Marino’s own Statue of Liberty. The main building is the Palazzo Pubblico, Public Palace, which is included in the multi-site ticket. Inside the Palace, providing parliament is not in session, you are able to visit the room where parliament meet.

Inside the palace, there is an interesting video that tells you a bit more about the building and San Marino. On the façade, there are four coats of arms (the fourth is hidden by the statue in the above photo) representing the four castles of the Republic. There is also a statue of Saint Marino on the side that I had completely overlooked until I saw the video.

Stamp and Coin Museum

I love buying postcards as a present for my partner when I travel. I tend to hand-deliver them but decided to make an exception in San Marino. To get stamps, I made my way to the Stamp and Coin Museum. The museum is included in the multi-museum ticket and is very informative. This is also where you can get a San Marino stamp in your passport. I personally chose not to get one, as I don’t want to waste any space in my passport!

In the museum, there are two floors – one dedicated to stamps and the other to coins. I started out on the stamp floor which talks a bit about the history of stamps in general, then focuses a lot on the history of stamps in San Marino. It was very interesting, and I really enjoyed looking at all the various stamps they’d had.

At the end of the stamp section, there was also a small display showing artwork by Bruna Pecciarini that was used to make postcards. This was a collection of drawings showing the various uniforms of the San Marino militia. Unfortunately I didn’t see any postcards that looked as cool as them for sale.

The coin section talked about the connections with Italy and showed the progression of currency which again was quite interesting to see.

When you leave, you are able to buy souvenir coins or stamps at the gift shop. You can also buy regular stamps for a postcard. Unfortunately I realised I’d left my pen back in my hotel so I had to buy an expensive souvenir pen at a gift shop along with my postcards. I made my way back to Liberty Square to enjoy the view as I wrote them.

I also ended up buying myself a guidebook to San Marino to use for my Read Around the World Challenge as I was struggling to find anything online.

Getting back to Rimini

After sending my postcards, I felt I had seen enough of San Marino and was ready to head back to Rimini. There were some art museums included in my ticket, however I’m not hugely interested in art so decided to skip them. I could have spent a bit longer, however the next bus was coming soon and after that it was a two hour wait.

To get back to Rimini, the bus leaves from the same place that you arrive. By leaving when I did, it meant that I would also still have a couple hours in Rimini to explore.

I had a fantastic time on my day trip to San Marino and would highly recommend it. Make sure not to overlook Rimini either, it’s definitely worth spending at least a day exploring.

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You managed quite a bit on your day trip to San Marino. I’m impressed! I also think it was wise to stay over in Rimini so you got to experience this town, too on your trip. San Marino overall looks interesting and would definitely engage me for a couple of hours, too. Thanks for sharing your impressions and how you managed to visit it during your trip.

Carolin | Solo Travel Story

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Visiting San Marino From Bologna & Rimini Step by Step Guide – Easy as Pie Day Trip to One of the World’s Smallest Countries

February 24, 2023 by Bino Leave a Comment

After my trip around the Balkans, I decided to make a detour to Italy as I wanted to tick one new country off my bucket list. That country was San Marino and to get there, I had to find myself a city interesting enough to serve as my base. Given Italy’s many fast trains, it is entirely possible to base yourself anywhere in Central Italy and be able to do San Marino as a day trip. However, the most practical cities to make that trip with the least possible connections would be Rimini and Bologna. Rimini gets you there the quickest due to a direct bus, but it’s more of a resort town and I wanted a place with some history and good food. I then looked a bit farther at the map and found Bologna, which only required an additional 1 to 1.5 hours from Rimini. So Bologna it was. Bologna is one of Italy’s great cities and is perhaps most well known for its food . Tagliatelle al ragu immediately springs to mind!

Where Exactly is San Marino?

When I was about to enter San Marino, I ran a poll in my Instagram accoun t and asked people if they knew where San Marino was. For a very small country, I was surprised to find that more than half actually knew! I ran a similar poll asking people if they knew where Bosnia and Hercegovina was and fewer people recognized that far larger country. 

san marino (shown with the red arrow)

San Marino is one of the smallest countries in the world – the 5th smallest to be exact. It is a landlocked country, located in between the Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions of Italy. Geographically speaking, the country sits somewhere near the central part of Italy but it is north of Rome.

If you are visiting San Marino from Bologna, here are the easy steps you’ll need to follow to get there.  

Step 1: Purchase your train ticket from Bologna to Rimini

The first thing you will need to do after you’ve decided to make that trip to San Marino and to use Bologna as your base in getting there is to book your train tickets. For Italian trains, your best bet is to book via Trenitalia , the official website of Italy’s train system or ItaliaRail , an agency where you can book train tickets. It is best to compare as fares can be cheaper in either one. In my case, I booked my tickets a day before my intended departure and found a cheaper price from Trenitalia.

There are no direct trains to San Marino as San Marino does not have a train station. Instead, you will first need to make your way to Rimini (Stazione di Rimini), the nearest large town from San Marino. For the Bologna to Rimini route, there are various types of trains that you can choose with journey times of as little as 53 minutes to as much as 1 hour and 41 minutes. You can also choose between direct non-stop trains as well as trains with multiple stops, depending on your budget and whether you are pressed for time. In my case, I chose a reasonably fast Freccebianca train that had 4 stops and which brought me to Rimini in just a little over an hour.

To choose the best train timing, you may want to check out the Rimini to San Marino bus schedule to make sure you don’t have to wait unnecessarily long. You can check the updated bus schedule here .

Step 2: Head to Bologna Centrale to catch your train

As with the usual case in Italy, the city’s main train station is not too far from town. You can easily reach Bologna Centrale after around 20 minutes of walking from the old town.

Step 3 – Purchase bus ticket once you arrive in Rimini

It is pretty common to do day trips to San Marino from Rimini and ticket kiosks to the small republic are not difficult to spot once you arrive in Rimini’s station. The local tourist office there sells tickets for the #72 Bonelli bus that goes to San Marino. It costs EUR 6 for a one-way ticket and EUR 12 for a round trip ticket. Cash only. The tickets are not timed so if you miss a bus you can always take the next one.

If you are planning to leave your luggage somewhere, it is possible to do so at the train’s station tourist office for a nominal fee. Do note the office is open from 8:30AM to 5:45PM.

Step 4 – Board the Bonelli bus #72 heading from Rimini towards San Marino from the bus stop

this is the queue that quickly forms when boarding the san marino-bound bus

Once you have your ticket, head to the bus stop. From Rimini train station’s exit, you can find it across the road just near the Burger King. Do note that there are actually two bus stations outside Burger King. The one directly in front of Burger King is a bus stop that serves the locality of Rimini. You’ll have to go to the other one further down for the buses that go to San Marino.

Tip: The line of people waiting for the bus to San Marino can get very long so it’s important to wait in line as soon as you arrive in Rimini. Just because you have already bought yourself a bus ticket doesn’t necessarily mean you can just wait it out inside the Burger King or a cafe nearby. If there are more people than seats, you may find yourself having to stand for the entire journey (if they even allow that) or wait for the next bus.

Step 5 – Alight at San Marino

the beautiful view of the rolling plains from the bus stop at san marino city (citta)

The journey time from Rimini station to the last stop in San Marino takes approximately 50 minutes but runs through a few towns in the country. You officially “enter” San Marino at approximately the 23-minute mark, passing through larger towns such as Serravalle and Rovereta. Unless you are interested to do a bit of duty-free shopping, most tourists will get off at the last stop which is in the namesake town of San Marino.

The capital of San Marino, a city (citta) with the same name, lies on the slopes of Mount Titano. The bus will drop you off at the bus parking lot on the lower parts of town.

The City of San Marino

san marino city

Once you’ve arrived, you can spend the rest of your time exploring the zigzag streets of the capital – a more comprehensive guide will come soon! The citta is a charming little town filled with quaint shops, plenty of viewpoints from which to glimpse the entire country (and Italy beyond it) as well as get a taste of this nation’s fiercely independent culture. I highly suggest taking one of the earlier train/bus combos and arrive in San Marino before 9AM. You will find the city all to yourself in some parts!

In my case, I spent around 5 hours there. I arrived at around 10AM just when the crowds start to arrive. In that short span of time, I managed to climb two of the three towers, visit the museum, check out the parliament building and go for a spot of lunch. If you have a few days to spare, it is actually worthwhile to stay a night in San Marino. The city is known for its fog during certain months. As the town is high up the mountain, you can sometimes see a “sea” of clouds in front of you with the lowland areas completely covered up with fog.

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Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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San Marino Holidays – how to do day trip from Rimini, Italy

What is San Marino?

How to go on san marino holidays from rimini.

The only way to reach San Marino with public transport is by bus from Rimini. Return ticket price is 10€ and the buses leave fairly regularly. Trip duration is 50 minutes. You can reach Rimini by train from anywhere in Italy if you are not staying there. Closest airport is also in Rimini and Ryanair is operating flights to and from the UK.

We recommend arriving early due to high amount of great activities and things to do. One day should be enough to explore the tiny country and shop for souvenirs.

Must see and do

A bit touristy, but certainly worth seeing is a guard changing ceremony in Piazza della Libertà. It takes place once an hour on the half-hour.

Souvenirs from San Marino

Today, San Marino is an open-air museum and stamp collector’s paradise. Every other shop is selling either stamps, coins or other collectibles of some sort. Lot’s of shops are also selling replica weaponry and different liqueurs. San Marino is tax free zone, so you may find good deals on brand watches and sun glasses. The quality is great – I still wear Ray Bans that I bought there over 5 years ago!

What to eat in San Marino?

Staying overnight.

It might be a good idea if you have time on your hands. Here is why – at daytime, the city is polluted with tourists. Mostly it’s the people who hardly care for the charm of this little town, looking for tax free stuff. So if you decide to stay overnight, you might be lucky to have the town for yourself, at last. Neighboring villages, beautiful panoramas and empty streets – it will be like time travel few centuries back. The prices are not too bad, even in summer!

Quick Facts about San Marino

• Most Serene Republic of San Marino is one of the oldest Republics on Earth
• S.M. Founded in 301 A.D.
• Italian is an official language
• The standard of living is similar to that of Denmark
• One-bedroom apartment will cost you 600-800€ to rent
• 50% of its income comes from tourism
• Today, San Marino’s type of government is similar to the one of ancient Rome
• San Marino has its own tiny army including crossbow corps

Have you been to San Marino?

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2 Responses

Elona Velca

I am interested in a private day trip from Rimini to San Marino on 2nd/3rd August 20023. Could you recommend any driver or any other service that you used? Thank you.

Hello Elona, I visited San Marino many years ago as part of Bus tour, so we had our own guide and bus. Please refer to Tripadvisor travel forum – i’m sure there are many recommendations. Have a great trip! Maria

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San Marino Day Trip: The Perfect Itinerary

So small – and so spectacular! The old town of San Marino is majestically enthroned at the top of Monte Titano. No wonder its historic centre has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site . San Marino is simply breathtakingly beautiful.

Referred to as a microstate, San Marino is one of the smallest countries in the world . It is completely surrounded by Italy. Therefore, visiting San Marino is ideal for a road trip through “Bella Italia”.

In this travel guide we show you all you can experience on a day trip to San Marino and which sights are not to be missed. On top of this we share our experiences , what we enjoyed, and of course, as always, our personal tips and the best itinerary for your day trip.

1. San Marino: Overview of the microstate [initial travel tips]

2. san marino travel guide: things to see on a day trip, 3. practical travel tips for your day trip (arrival, entry, parking etc.), 4. staying the night in san marino, 5. further travel destinations around san marino, 6. map: the best sights for your day trip at a glance.

Useful & exciting facts

• San Marino is tiny . Spanning just 12 kilometres from north to south. Crazy, right?
• San Marino is considered the oldest republic in the world .
• The old town is enthroned on a ridge of Monte Titano . The area is really extraordinarily spectacular. It isn’t for no reason that San Marino’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Around 30,000 people live in San Marino – the vast majority not in the old town, but in the suburbs at the foot of the mountain.
• San Marino is not part of the EU . However, you still pay using euros.

San Marino’s flair: our (honest) experience

As spectacularly as San Marino is situated – unfortunately the flair of the town centre (at the capital on the mountain) did not amaze us personally as much as we had hoped. To clarify what we mean, we need to expand a little.

No doubt, the city landscape of the old town is beautiful. Small alleyways, old houses, stunning buildings and of course the three landmark towers – San Marino is quite a feast for the eyes.

However: the life was missing for us. The old town is completely, thoroughly catered towards tourists. There are rows of souvenir shops, jewellers, leather goods shops and gun stores. Yes, you read right. Gun stores. There are an absurd amount of stores in San Marino where you can buy pocket knives, air pistols and so on. Why is this? We didn’t understand until the end, but it definitely puts people off.

Taking a stroll through San Marino feels a bit like visiting a museum . And unfortunately we don’t mean that in a positive way. Nevertheless: the historic town centre is definitely worth seeing, even though the sparks didn’t really fly with us. 

Is a day trip enough to visit the main sights?

Admittedly: it sounds a little strange to visit a whole republic in just one day. In the case of San Marino, we definitely think that taking a day trip is enough.

All the main attractions can be found in the old town (the capital, which is enthroned on the hill). You can imagine this part of San Marino as being kind of like a small, medieval town , which can be explored rather quickly. There would even be enough time for an excursion to Borgo Maggiore (the municipality at the foot of the mountain, where the gondola starts). 

If you would like, you can of course also spend one night (or two) in San Marino. Although, the hotel selection is rather light, because the vast majority of guests only visit San Marino on a day trip.

The three towers

San Marino’s landmark and easily the main attractions are the three defence towers and the associated castle complex. They are enthroned on the ridge of Monte Titano and can be seen far and wide.

• Guaita:  The first tower is the oldest and most iconic of the three. From this tower (and from the castle’s defence wall) you get a grandiose view of the second castle complex.
• Cesta:  The second tower (also called „Fratta“) is just as impressive. You can visit it, although the area is currently (as at Spring 2022) being renovated. You have a great view from here back towards the first tower.
• Montale:  The third tower in the bunch is the smallest and youngest of the three. It probably originates in the 14 th Century. It is not possible to visit this tower.

Travel Tip: witches’ path between tower 1 + 2

All three castle complexes are connected via a so-called witches’ path. They path is always open (even outside of opening hours). Most of all, you can look forward to the iconic postcard picture view in the first part of the witch path.

The stone staircase with a view of the second tower, Cesta, presents an especially popular photo opportunity . Also don’t miss the view back towards Guaita. It is really impressive to see how the majestic fortress is perched here on the ridge.

Palazzo Pubblico in the Piazza della Libertà

The central square of San Marino’s old town is the Piazza della Libertà. One of the nation’s most important sights is situated here, the Palazzo Pubblico . It is the seat of the town hall, parliament and the government – and is also depicted on the back of the 2 euro coin.

The Palazzo Pubblico immediately catches the eye with its cream coloured, Neo-Renaissance style façade. You can also view the palace interior (including the large boardroom), as long as there isn’t an important meeting taking place.

The spacious Piazza della Libertà stretches out in front of the Palazzo Pubblico. The square is open to the south-west so that you can enjoy a great view of the surrounding landscape. In our opinion, you shouldn’t leave San Marino without having paid a visit here.

San Marino Basilica

San Marino‘s  main church is the San Marino Basilica. It was built in the 19 th century in classical style and is definitely one of the most impressive sights in the country.

You can of course also view the church interior. Entrance is free. The column architecture of the cathedral’s entrance continues into the interior. We personally found the flair very special and worth seeing.  

Small tip: be sure to dress appropriately. You cannot enter with shorts, short skirts or bare shoulders.

Tip: get your passport stamped

You can get a pretty souvenir for your passport from the tourist information centre in the Piazzetta Giuseppe Garibaldi. You can get a sticker with a stamp in your passport for 5 euros . Clearly, this whole thing is rather touristy, but we really enjoy this special kind of souvenir.

Arrival: how to get to San Marino

San Marino is located inland, only about ten kilometres away from the Adriatic sea, and is completely surrounded by Italy . The next largest city is Rimini, which you can drive to in less than half an hour.

San Marino does not have any airports . You usually get there using your own car, especially if coming from Germany or Austria. It is a good 8 hour drive to this region from Vienna.

An alternative possibility is to arrive by plane (e.g. to Bologna). You can find cheap flights on Skyscanner . From there you can then book a rental car. We always book our rental cars through Sunny Cars .

You can book your rental car here: Sunny Cars

Entrance into San Marino

Entering San Marino from Italy is less spectacular than you would think. There are several border crossings, which you only notice if you’re really paying attention. There are simply signs that say you are leaving the European Union.

Surprisingly, there is no border control , so you don’t need to account for wait times. The same entry requirements apply in San Marino as in Italy.

Tips for parking

Once you arrive in San Marino, you have roughly two options for parking to reach the (mainly car free) old town (i.e. the capital).

Option 1: You park “down” in the municipality of Borgo Maggiore (e.g. at carpark P11). You take the gondola (Funivia di San Marino) from there directly to San Marino’s old town. The trip (there and back) costs 5 euros. The top station is located practically in the middle of San Marino’s old town.

Option 2: You drive along the road up towards the old town. You can park there at e.g. carpark P9. From there you reach the town centre via two elevators. Then just a short stroll (uphill) lies between you and the town centre.

Option 1 (our tip): In neighbouring Italy

Personally, we wouldn’t suggest you stay in San Marino, but instead one of the surrounding villages in Italy. The picturesque town of Santarcangelo di Romagna is recommendable. You can drive from there to San Marino in less than half an hour.

We can highly recommend the Delle Farfalle Boutique B&B . This personally managed bed and breakfast is located in a peaceful area on the outskirts of Santarcangelo di Romagna’s old town. There are only three rooms and a lovely garden.

You can book the B&B here: Delle Farfalle Boutique B&B

Option 2: In San Marino

If you stay overnight in San Marino, you do naturally have the advantage being able to get up and going in the morning and explore the old town before everyone else. The majority of the guests visit San Marino on a day trip, so of course staying the night there has its appeal.   

The range of accommodation options in San Marino is fairly slim. We recommend the B&B Balsimelli 12 , an authentic Bed and Breakfast located right in the historic old town. The rooftop terrace and its view is simply fantastic.

You can book the B&B here: B&B Balsimelli 12

If you are not already staying in Rimini and visiting San Marino from there, then taking a stop-off in the small town is definitely worth the while. Aside from parties and the beach, Rimini has a lot on offer.

Rimini’s old town , with its many Roman remnants, exudes a very special flair. The Tiberius Bridge and the Arch of Augustus are particularly impressive.

You can find our tips in this blog article: Rimini Sights (available soon)

The small town of Verucchio sits gracefully on a hill just a few kilometres away from the border to San Marino. We personally really liked it here.

The main sight in Verucchio is the historic castle complex , the Malatesta, from which you can enjoy a dreamy view into the Marecchia valley and back towards the Adriatic coast.

The flair of the alleyways in Verucchio’s old town is just as charming. Time passes slower here. Because Verucchio is so small and quick to explore, a couple of hours is enough time for a visit.

West of San Marino, just five kilometres as the crow flies, lies another jewel: San Leo. With its medieval and spectacularly situated fortress , San Leo is a little reminiscent of San Marino in terms of its setting.

Although, the flair of the town centre is hardly comparable. San Leo can gladly be described as an insider tip. We personally had a really great time here.

To round things off, we have marked all of the main sights and our tips for your day trip on this interactive map. How do you get the most out of this map? Our tip: it is best to click the top right corner of the map, to open the map in the Google Maps app on your smartphone. That way, you can comfortably navigate your way from A to B while there.

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This travel guide contains our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or buy something via the links, we will receive a small commission. This will not change the price for you at all. A million thanks from the both of us! 

Have you already been to San Marino? How did you like it? Do you have any additional tips for the perfect day trip? We look forward to hearing about your experiences below this blog article.

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5 days in Rimini, San Marino, San Leo & Ravenna

RIMINI Offers seaside resorts, villages rich in art and history, gently rolling hills just a stone's throw away from the water, a unique artisan tradition, but also the landscape's beauty, culture and entertainment offerings, and a prized historical-artistic heritage. Not last the high-quality cuisine and gastronomic products are the elements that have made the Rimini Riviera one of Europe's most frequented vacation spots for over 160 years.

San Marino is the oldest independent republic of the world, an evocative fairy world perched on the top of the Mount Titano dominating the entire valley below in a crescendo of breathtaking glimpses and unrivalled panoramic views. The symbols of the city are the so-called three "Penne": Guaita, Cesta and Montale, magnificent medieval towers excellently preserved from which you can enjoy the best view of the lively Riviera Romagnola extending just few kilometres away.

Reach Rimini on your own and check-in at Hotel. *Note 1: Hotel check-in is available from 3 PM Stay at our selected 3-star hotels in Rimini for 4 nights

Breakfast at the hotel Free walking tour using “Audio POPGuide“ and typical street food PIADINA for Lunch (not included) We will visit: Three Martyrs Square / Piazza Tre Martiri This square stands tall since the times of ancient Roman Empire Tiberius Bridge / Ponte di Tiberio The first Roman emperor began to construct Tiberius Bridge in the last year of his reign and his son Tiberius continued it. Piazza Cavour Three palaces epitomize the historical importance of this Square: Palazzo Garampi (presently it houses the Municipality), Palazzo del Arengo and Palazzo del Podestà (the palace was originally meant for the residence of elected city ruler). In the centre, there is a fountain called Pina, constructed during the Roman Empire period, and it has served as a source of drinking water in the city for long. Arch of Augustus / Arco di Augusto The arch was named in the honour of the Roman emperor Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus Augustus and served as a gateway in the fortress walls. Malatesta Temple / Tempio Malatestiano Initially the cathedral was built under the direction of Sigismondo Malatesta, as a tomb for his clan.

Walking transfer to your hotel and overnight stay.

Rimini, San Marino, San Leo, Rimini

Breakfast at the hotel After breakfast departure by private car with driver (at disposal 8HRS) & “Audio POPGuide“ for San Marino, with its 61 square kilometres is the smallest and the oldest republic in the world and Unesco-Heritage. Every year millions of traveller come here from all over the world to visit this lovely town. On the road to San Leo, you’ll enjoy in the familiar atmosphere of a nice Agriturismo, you’ll taste many local products eating the typical & genuine dishes like handmade pasta. After lunch departure for San Leo and visit of the town. This picturesque spot is situated on an edge rock where the Romans built a temple dedicated to Jupiter that later became the St. Leo’s Church. The 12th century Dom is an example of the panoramic fine arts of Italy.

Return to hotel and overnight.

Rimini, Ravenna

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast departure by train (not included) for Ravenna the city of Mosaics classified World Heritage. Free walking tour using “Audio POPGuide”(available only in English & Italian)

During the free city tour, you can see the most important architectonic monuments of the Gothic and Byzantine time: the Mausoleum, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo (the Ostrogothic King’s Palace), Galla Placidia (the oldest architectonic monument in Ravenna), the Mosaics and the Basilica of San Vitale“ the Wonder of Ravenna” Return to Rimini by train & walking.

Transfer to the hotel overnight.

Breakfast at hotel After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy free time to do sightseeing or shopping in Rimini. Tour will come to the end. *Note: Your room can be used until noon without supplement

Our selected hotel: - Rimini (standard room) 4 * Hotel VILLA LALLA or similar for 4 nights.

● 4 nights accommodation with breakfast (double sharing) ● Audio POPGuide in Rimini, San Marino & Ravenna with English and Italian contents available ● Private car with driver at disposal on 3rd day ● Lunch in Agriturismo (drink not included)

Not Included

● Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry and Tips ● City tax to be paid in hotel upon check-in or check-out ● Drinks at a local restaurant ● Entrance fee ● Travel insurance

Lean more about POPGuide

Please note that this tour will be subject to any social distancing measure taking place in this country and some modifications may apply to any activity per the requested period of travel. Please consult us for more information.

A Perfect Day Trip To San Marino And Its Castle

By: Author Jim Vail

Posted on Published: 18 May 19  - Last updated: 1 February 24

Home » DIY Travel » Guides » A Perfect Day Trip To San Marino And Its Castle

Who wants to visit one of the smallest countries in Europe? San Marino, the oldest republic, is the perfect day trip while in Italy. Visit San Marino castle, shop, and unwind! You’ll never want to leave.

One thing we knew for sure when we were planning our summer road trip in Italy, was that we had to spend at least one day in San Marino. The tiny, “Most Serene Republic of San Marino,” is on the border of the Italian provinces of Emilia Romagna and Marche and is not too far off the track driving between Bologna and Tuscany.

San Marino is one of the oldest republics in the world, established in 301 AD, and has remained largely unchanged throughout its history making it a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. From its origins as a small refugee community atop Mount Titano, San Marino grew to the present day micro-state consisting of the towns of Fiorentino, Montegiardino, Serravalle, and Faetano covering about 61 square kilometers.

Almost as important for us, however, was that after this trip we would have finally visited every country in Europe! But all of that history aside, are there enough things to do in San Marino to make up a good day trip? Is one day enough?

Day Trip To San Marino

San Marino is mostly known for its stunning medieval and renaissance fortifications, crenelated walls, lofty cliff top towers, and narrow winding passageways precariously perched on the slopes of Mount Titano.

In some ways the city is reminiscent of the fictional walled city of Minas Tirith from the Lord of the Rings. We fell in love with the architecture and the incredible views looking out across the Italian Adriatic coast while siting on the highest walls of the city.

While many visitors come to the city on day trips from Bologna, it is worth staying overnight and enjoying the evening in the old town after the day tripping crowds have left for the night.

San Marino Passport Stamp

Let’s face it, one of the main reasons to visit San Marino is to claim the bragging rights of having been there, especially when this ticks the box to complete the countries of Europe list. What better way to commemorate this achievement than an official stamp in your passport.

This can be a difficult thing to get in most European countries where borders are virtually invisible and the only passport stamping is done at the Schengen-Non-Schengen borders. In San Marino, however, all it takes is a trip to the Tourist Information center next to the Funivia station at the top of the city.

Plop down your five euros, offer a friendly smile and some pleasant conversation, and hand over your passport for stamping. While you’re there, be sure to check out any upcoming events.

San Marino Attractions

San marino castle.

First time visitors to San Marino can’t be faulted for thinking there is one huge castle at the top of Mount Titano. The reality is a bit different. The ornately crenelated walls, and tall towers seen from a distance seem like they are all part of one larger fairytale palace, but really this is a fortified city with defensive structures strategically located to protect the republic from outside invaders.

In reality, San Marino Castle refers to the nine provinces or municipalities of the country which are called Castelli. The most important of these for tourists is the capital, Citta di San Marino.

Strolling the winding, cobble stone streets and alleys of San Marino is the real treat here. The beautiful architecture, expertly designed stone work and decorative facades, are worth all the stairs and climbing. Shopping includes a collection of local artisanal products as well as medieval themed armor and weaponry.

Of course, you might also find that fine leather handbag you’ve been searching for. Seriously, though, this is a city meant to be explored on foot. You never know what surprising courtyard, palace, or church is waiting just around the next corner.

City Walls and Towers

You see them as you wind your way up the mountain, driving through the city gates, and along the massive stonework walls. The three towers of San Marino are impressive fortifications well worth the hike to the top of Mount Titano.

Of course, no one will think less of you if you take the cable car up to the top of the city and climb the remaining shortened trek from there, but don’t kid yourself, there will still be some climbing.

The views from the towers are incredible and the Museum of Ancient Weaponry in the second tower is one of my favorite museums.

How To Get To San Marino

Unlike Rome, all roads do not lead to San Marino. That being said, driving is perhaps the easiest and most direct mode of transportation to get to this beautiful tiny republic in the middle of Italy. San Marino doesn’t have a train station, there is no airport, and bus service connecting outside the country is limited.

For those travelers choosing slow travel and interested in reducing their carbon footprint, leave the car at home, but be aware you will be making connections in Rimini on the Italian Adriatic coast for just about every other option.

Rimini-San Marino Bus

Bonelli Bus runs daily routes between Rimini and San Marino every day of the year with regular departures all day. Tickets for the 40 minute ride can be purchased on the bus from the driver for about 10 euros.

Catch the bus outside the main train station in Rimini and get off the bus at Portici in Borgo Maggiorre at the base of mount Titano. From here you can take the Funivia gondola up into San Marino city. If you’d rather skip the cablecar, stay on the bus till the final stop in San Marino and then walk up into the city.

Bologna To San Marino

Visitors to Italy won’t want to miss a trip to Bologna and the Emilia Romagna region. From here, San Marino is a short one and half hours drive down the autostrada. The tolls will run about 8 euros so if you have the car this is the best option.

If you don’t have your own set of wheels, or need to take public transportation, don’t despair, trains depart Bologna’s central station starting around 05:00 about every half hour for Rimini on the Adriatic coast (another nice day trip, btw). 

Be careful, though, the last train heads back to Bologna out of Rimini station around 10:00 P.M. The price of this trip is about 25 euros per person and the total travel time is about two and a half hours each direction at a cost.

Rome To San Marino

With a driving time of just about four hours, driving from Rome to San Marino would make for a long day trip. Instead, consider spending the night in the old town to get the most out of your visit.

The most direct route will leave Rome on the A1 Autostrada and then switch to the SS3bis heading Northwest. Tolls for this trip will be around 15 euros each way.

Getting from Rome to San Marino by bus is perhaps the cheapest method at about 25 euros oneway, however, service is limited to two runs each week (Monday and Friday) on Bonelli’s buses and the trip takes about 7 hours. Catch the bus at Rome’s, bus hub – Autostazione Tibus.

A better option is the train, though, which takes about 5 hours depending on connections. Regular train service connects Rome and Bologna everyday, and from there, it is an easy connection to Rimini. Expect to pay about 50 euros for a one way train ticket From Rome to San Marino.

Venice To San Marino

Driving from Venice to San Marino on the autostrada will take around three and half hours and cost about 25 euros in tolls. This does make for a doable day trip without too much stressful driving. Of course, most visitors to Venice will be there without a car so taking the train might be the only option.

Trains leave regularly from Venice’s Santa Lucia station to Bologna every 2o minutes and then connect on to Rimini for a total travel time of about four hours at a cost of approximately 40 euros.

Ravenna To San Marino

Ravenna’s UNESCO World Heritage sights are only an hour’s drive from San Marino. Alternatively, trains run about every hour and make the one way trip to Rimini in an hour for around 10 euros.

Flights To San Marino

The Federico Fellini International Airport of Rimini is the nearest airport to San Marino with service by several small airlines operating throughout Europe including RyanAir.

Getting from the airport to San Marino is not too difficult, however, requiring only one bus transfer. After arrival, take the local bus, number 9, to the central station (Rimini Fs) and then transfer to the Bonelli Rimini-San Marino bus.

San Marino Travel Tips

In the end, and after some serious research, we decided to spend the night in San Marino on our drive between Bologna and Montepulciano. This gave us two days of gorgeous driving through some incredible countryside and we had the best light of the day in the afternoon and morning in San Marino.

All in all, our time for touring the city was about the same as if we had just gone in for the day from Bologna or Rimini.

The Best Time to Go to San Marino

The climate and weather of San Marino is very similar to Bologna, but luckily it is a little higher altitude, so you can get some good breezes flowing through the city. The average temperatures are relatively moderate, but let me tell you that during those summer days it does get quite hot.

You will notice this right away as you climb the streets and paths to the summit. The most comfortable time of year is in the spring and fall, and there are fewer tourists during that time as well, so if you have a choice, that would be a good time to go.

Where To Stay In San Marino

After deciding to stay overnight, we began searching for the best San Marino hotel. We came across the Hotel Cesare and knew we had found the one. This small hotel is located at the top of the old town in the heart of the medieval quarter but still only steps away from parking.

No worries about the car and no schlepping bags up into the city. Our room was comfortable and spacious and looked out into the old town. The view from the bar’s balcony at sunset was unbelievable and the restaurant was perfect. We really couldn’t have asked for better.

Other Important Info

• Parking : Driving to the historical sites in San Marino is basically impossible. However, for as difficult as it may be to drive there, parking is surprising plentiful and affordable. There are several parking lots at the various levels of the city as you climb up Mount Titano. For a day trip, however, park at the base of the mountain and ride the Funivia up into the medieval quarter.
• Museums : There are a host of interesting museums in San Marino. Our favorites were the Museum of Ancient Weapons in the Second Tower, and the state museum in Palazzo Pergami Belluzzi. Among the quirkier options, there are the obligatory Museum of Torture and the bizarre Vampire Museum.
• Eating and Drinking : Naturally we expected a strong similarity to Italian cuisine and we weren’t disappointed. One surprise, however, was the excellent San Marinese beer brewed by Titanbrau. This was our sun down drink of choice!
• Visa Requirements : San Marino has an open border with Italy and as such has the same visa requirements. Anyone with a valid visa traveling in Italy can enter San Marino. While it’s not required, consider getting your passport stamped for the nominal five euro fee at the tourist information office. This is a great souvenir!

Additional Reading for Nearby Italy

• Photography Tips for Venice”>Venice Photography Challenges
• Lucca, Another Italian Gem”>Lucca Italy – A Hidden Gem
• Top Ten Things to do on Bolzano, Italy

San Marino, not well known and bit difficult to get to, is one of the hidden gems of Europe. It’s not high on most people’s lists. We know this well,  because it was our very last country to visit in all of Europe. However, after spending about 24 hours in this beautiful city, we wished we’d allotted it more time.

We loved the invigorating hikes along the winding alleyways. We loved the views, especially the sunset. It was a great place to sip a glass of wine and unwind from all of our busy traveling. Don’t be like us, go soon!

Author Bio: Jim Vail , is a travel, food, and video creator and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 15 years. For many years he lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands, and he’s visited over 90 countries.

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SAN MARINO DAY TRIP ITINERARY: 20 Things to Do & Walking Route

On our first European trip, San Marino was part of our original itinerary. We were supposed to visit on a day trip from Florence. We did reach Italy, but we got so distracted by Tuscany that we never made it to San Marino. Filed it under “Maybe next time”.

Three years later, “next time” finally happened.

Completely landlocked by Italy, which harbors several famous destinations, the tiny nation of San Marino is easy to overlook. It is the fifth smallest sovereign state in the world and third smallest in Europe, next only to Vatican City and Monaco. It is also the least visited country on the continent, welcoming only 60,000 international visitors a year.

Yet, tiny as it may be, it can still fill a day’s itinerary effortlessly. In this post, we’ll share with you some of the key places to visit in San Marino. But here are a few notes to bear in mind:

• This is a walking trail. These attractions are arranged chronologically, from the first stop if you’re coming from the Piazzale Calcigni, where the San Marino Bonelli bus from Rimini terminates.
• You may skip some of these stops. We’re laying out the key attractions along the route, but if you want to skip a site for whatever reason, move on to the next stop. A few of these attractions are not open to the public but we still included them so you could admire from the outside or take photos.
• Expect a long, uphill hike and some stairs. The old town of San Marino City is perched on top of Monte Titano (Mt. Titan), so the ground is largely uneven.
• Always check the schedule of buses going to San Marino in advance. The jumpoff point to San Marino is the Italian city of Rimini. There are only six trips in a day so make sure your timing is right. For more information, READ: HOW TO GET TO SAN MARINO!
• You’ll find a sample itinerary at the end of the post. It does not include all the stops listed here due to time constraints. But feel free to follow or tweak it according to your needs and preferences.

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s start!

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Convento dei Frati Cappuccini

If you’re coming from the Piazzale Calcigni bus stop and climbing to the city center, one of the first structures you’ll spot is the Convento dei Frati Cappuccini, which overlooks the first hairpin turn to the top.

This convent-and-church complex was constructed in the 16th century at the site of the old San Quirino chapel. It’s best known for its walnut-wood main altar which showcases a canvas of the Deposition of Christ, a masterpiece by Italian Mannerist painter Federico Zuccari. Also inside is an image of the Madonna of Lourdes.

Piazza Sant’Agata

From Convento dei Frati Cappuccini, follow the road to the next hairpin bend and you’ll find an arch. Walk through it and up a short alley and you’ll emerge at Piazza Sant’Agata .

This small, unassuming square is surrounded by sandstone structures including the Teatro Titano building to the left and a small portico. The centerpiece is the Girolamo Gozi Monument , which features a bronze statue of the captain regent and a bronze relief of other freedom fighters behind it.

With your back to the monument, you should see a narrow street to your right. Walk down that alley and you’ll find your next stop: The Torture Museum (Museo della Tortura).

Museum of Medieval Criminology and Torture

The Museum of Medieval Criminology and Torture (or simply the Torture Museum) exhibits over 100 death- and torment-inflicting devices including the guillotine, the knee-breaker, and the spike-crazy Inquisitorial chair.

We’ve been to similar torture museums in other cities in Europe so we skipped it. But if you haven’t seen one and you’re fascinated with the macabre, this may be worth your time.

Hours Open: Daily 10am-7pm Entrance Fee: 8€ (6€ reduced rate)

Porta San Francesco

Fronting the Torture Museum is the Porta San Francesco , also known as Porta del Loco .

For most of its history, this iconic watchtower serves as the main gate to the city. It was erected in 1361 by the Feltresca clan, which ruled San Marino, as protection from raids by rival Malatesta family from Rimini. It bears the coat of arms of San Marino and the Feltresca family.

Chiesa di San Francesco

Just across the street is Chiesa di San Francesco (Church of Saint Francis) , a Roman Catholic Church.

It’s easy to walk past it without a second look because there’s nothing grand or ornate about its facade. But this is the oldest building in San Marino as it was built in 1361 (like the city gate). Since its construction, this sandstone church has undergone several restorations.

Inside the church are a wooden 14th-century crucifix, a copper tabernacle created by Rimini artist Romolo Mulazzani, and images of saints by Ciro Parisa.

Museo Pinacoteca San Francesco

At the same site as the church is the Museo-Pinacoteca San Francesco , a museum and gallery housed in the colonnaded loggias of the cloister of the religious complex. It was opened and inaugurated in 1966.

It has two zones — sacred art museum and art gallery — which display a collection of frescoes and paintings on canvas from the 15th to 18th centuries.

Hours Open: 8AM-5PM (Monday-Friday), 9AM-6PM (Saturday-Sunday) Entrance Fee: €3*

*If you also plan on visiting the two towers, the State Museum, and the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, you might want to purchase a multi-museum ticket which costs €10.50. If you’re visiting just one or two, then just get individual tickets.

Museo di Stato

Continue walking along the same street and in a minute you’ll reach Museo di Stato (State Museum / National Museum) .

Established in 1865, the State Museum was originally housed in Palazzo Valloni until 2001, when it was moved to its current home, the Palazzo Pergami-Belluzzi. The museum exhibits around 5000 pieces of art and historic artifacts — archaeological finds, paintings, coins, medals, and porcelain, among others — all narrating the story of San Marino.

Hours Open: 9AM-5PM (Daily, 8AM-8PM in summer) Entrance Fee: €4.50*

*If you also plan on visiting the two towers, the St. Francis Museum, and the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, consider grabbing a combined ticket which costs €10.50. If you’re only interested in just one or two, then just buy single tickets.

National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art

The establishment of the National Gallery and Contemporary Art sprung from the launching of the San Marino Biennale season in 1956. During this event, artists gather to showcase their artworks and masterpieces. Over 700 art pieces, in various forms and media (watercolor, photographs, sculpture, etc.), by both famous and emerging artists, are displayed here. Some of them date back to the 20th century.

Hours Open: 9AM-5PM (January 2-June 7), 8AM-8PM (June 8-September 13), 9AM-5PM (September 14-December 31), CLOSED (January 1, November 2 & December 25) Entrance Fee: €3

Cava dei Balestrieri

Just across the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, before reaching the road curve of Via Eugippo, is the Cava dei Balestrieri (Crossbowmen’s Quarry) .

It’s an outdoor theater that features carved walls and cultural events like Palio of the Old Crossbow (a crossbow competition with participants in medieval costume) in September. It’s also the site for other festivals and open-air exhibitions. Watch the show if you happen to visit during the right season.

Borghesi Monument

Erected in 1904, Monumento a Bartolomeo Borghesi is one of the city’s historical landmarks. The bronze bust of Italian antiquarian, Bartolomeo Borghesi, who spent his last days in San Marino. He was one of the founders of numismatics, which is the study of currencies — paper and coins — and medals.

The monument is located near the cable car (funicular) station. The area also serves as an observation spot where you can admire the panoramic view of the towns below and the surrounding area.

Funivia di San Marino

This is probably the most preferred mode of transportation going to the high-altitude city center, which is also the historical center. The aerial “tramway” or funicular, runs between Borgo Maggiore (base station) and the City of San Marino (upper station).

The cable car system has two gondolas, which can accommodate up to 50 people each and operate every 15 minutes. It was first launched in 1959 and has undergone two renovations/upgrades; the latest was in 2017. The travel duration from the base station to the upper station is about two minutes.

Hours Open: 7:50AM-6:30PM (November-February), 7:50AM-7PM (March & October), 7:50AM-7:30PM (April), 7:50AM-8PM (May-June), 7:50AM-1AM (July-September) Fare: €2.80 (Single), €4.50 (Roundtrip), FREE (children with height under 1.20 meters)

Borgo Maggiore

This is the city at the base when taking the funicular. Located at the base of Mount Titano, Borgo Maggiore has the second largest population in San Marino after Dogana. The city has always been a busy marketplace.

Today, it’s considered a major shopping district in the country. It houses six parishes, Piazza Grande, and the sole heliport in San Marino.

Tourism Office Stamp

Drop by the San Marino Tourism Office to get a passport stamp! It’s not compulsory. The republic has no hard border, ergo no border checkpoints, ergo no entry stamps. But you can get a souvenir stamp for 5€. This is the only place in the world where you can obtain a San Marino stamp.

However, consider having the stamp on a separate booklet or on an expired passport instead of your current one. Some embassies take issue with unofficial stamps. You’ll risk having your passport rejected if you have souvenir tourism stamps. Better safe than sorry.

San Marino Basilica

This is the main church of the City of San Marino, the nation’s capital. This Neoclassical church’s origin dates back to the 7th century, but the present structure was built in the 1830s. The Catholic church is dedicated to the nation’s patron saint — Saint Marinus .

It’s located just behind the Tourism Office on Piazza Domus Plebis. Just beside the basilica is Chiesa di San Pietro which features a crypt that is said to house the remains of Saint Marinus.

Liberty Square & Palazzo Publico

Just a short walk from the Tourism Office, the pathway opens up to the wide Piazza della Liberta . The square features the Statua della Liberta (Liberty Statue) in the middle and the politically significant structure, the Palazzo Publico.

From the square, tourists stop to marvel at the scenic view of the city and the surrounding hills and mountains. You will find shops, cafes, and restaurants in the area.

Museum of Curiosities

The displays at the Museo delle Curiosità are not related to anything San Marino but a collection of curated out-of-this-world real-life oddities and curiosities.

The museum has three floors full of interesting displays of strange facts such as fattest man, longest beard, longest hair, tallest man, etc. The information and descriptions are written in 4-5 languages.

Hours Open: 10AM-6:30PM (may change without prior notice) Entrance Fee: €8 (Regular), €4 (Reduced)

This is a good time to have lunch. There are plenty of food places around. If money isn’t an issue, you can dine at a restaurant for a proper lunch. If you’re on a shoestring budget, you can grab a quick bite. You can find establishments offering a quick meal for less than 10 euro.

Guaita Tower (First Tower)

San Marino has three iconic towers that are all situated atop the three peaks of Monte Titano in the city center. The nation’s flag and coat of arms both bore the image of these three towers.

The 11th-century Guaita Tower , which was shortly used as a prison, is the first and the oldest of the three. It is also the most popular. It has undergone a lot of restorations. You will also see drawings or scribbles done by the former prisoners on some walls. From the tower, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the city and beyond.

Hours Open: 9AM-5PM (Daily, 8AM-8PM in summer) Entrance Fee: €3 (Guaita Only), €4.50 (Guaita and Cesta Combo)*

Cesta Tower (Second Tower)

From the First Tower, take the Passo delle Streghe , a narrow passage on the way to the Second Tower. It’s best known for its snap-worthy rock bridge that connects the cliffs.

Also called Fratta but marked on Google Maps as Falesia Second Tower, the 13th-century Cesta Tower sits atop the highest peak of Monte Titano. It also features a museum, Museo delle Armi Antiche, which exhibits over a thousand items related to weaponry and artillery, encompassing those from the medieval era up to the present time. The scenery is a visual delight for those who took the time and effort to visit.

Hours Open: 9AM-5PM (Daily, 8AM-8PM in summer) Entrance Fee: €3 (Cesta Only), €4.50 (Guaita and Cesta Combo)*

Montale (Third Tower)

The 14th-century Montale Tower is perched on the smallest peaks of Monte Titano. Tourists can’t go inside the tower as the only entryway is located about seven meters from the ground. Like Guaita, this served as a prison and might be the reason for the design and location of the door. Taking photos of the tower (and the view) from the outside is allowed.

Hours Open: 9AM-5PM (Daily, 8AM-8PM in summer) Entrance Fee: FREE

And for those who love shopping or buying souvenirs, you will pass by several shops on the way back to the bus terminal. Ref magnet collectors will have no problem finding one to add to their stash. The price for ref magnets ranges from €3.5 to €5.

SAMPLE SAN MARINO ITINERARY

Here’s a sample San Marino DIY day tour itinerary. This assumes you’ll be taking the train to Rimini Station, where you’ll catch the Bonelli Bus to San Marino. We have a step-by-step on how to get there here: RIMINI TO SAN MARINO BY BUS!

In the morning, you’ll be sightseeing on foot around the Old Town. In the afternoon, you’ll be visiting the city’s three towers before boarding the bus back to Rimini.

08:36 am – Arrival in Rimini 08:45 am – Buy roundtrip ticket to San Marino, 10€ 09:30 am – Board bus to San Marino 10:30 am – Explore (follow the trail above) 12:00 pm – Lunch, 10€ 01:30 pm – Visit the three towers, 6.50€ 05:30 pm – Board bus back to Rimini 06:30 pm – Arrival in Rimini, grab dinner 10€ 07:20 pm – Train to your origin or next destination

How you use your exploring time in the morning is up to you. You may follow the walking route above and choose the attractions you want to enter. Be mindful of the corresponding entrance fees, which are indicated in the individual descriptions.

TOP APARTMENTS & GUESTHOUSES IN BOLOGNA

Bologna is the closest metropolitan city to San Marino, so most day-trippers use it as their base. If you decide to stay in Bologna, here are some of the top-rated apartments and guesthouses in the city as scored by Agoda users.

• Residence Railway by Studio Vita. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• B&B Casa Faccioli. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Casa Isolani, Piazza Maggiore. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Le Stanze degli Angeli, Room & Breakfast. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• La finestra sul canale. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Attico di Via d’Azeglio. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Bologna Hotels!

Edited by Asta Alvarez 2020 • 9 • 6

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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My friends and I are interested in going to San Marino thanks to your video. Are there any places you would recommend where we can run? We are runners. Thanks

Hi JC, unfortunately, dunno any in San Marino. I think in Bologna, there’s a popular trail that’s OK for runners.

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Guide to San Marino: 3 Easy Ways To Travel from Italy to San Marino

With its proximity to Italy, San Marino is a must-see for any European traveler. And it is also quite easy to travel from Italy to San Marino.

One of the world’s smallest and oldest countries, San Marino has not made it on many people’s travel wish lists just yet. But this fact only makes a visit even more special.

Italy surrounds the tiny country of San Marino, which is said to be the oldest republic in the world. St. Marinus, a Christian stonemason, is said to have founded the country in 301 AD, which bears his name today.

The capital city of San Marino, also known as San Marino, is home to the majority of the country’s cultural attractions. Located at the summit of a mountain, the city is a tourist destination full of historic buildings, restaurants, and shops.

In addition, there are many small museums and stunning views of the surrounding towns and countryside.

San Marino is a must-see for anyone who enjoys fairy-tale castle fortresses perched on mountaintops.

San Marino, despite its diminutive size, has a lot to offer beyond the typical day trips from Italy’s Rimini and Bologna.

Spending two or more days in San Marino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an excellent way to learn more about one of the world’s most fascinating countries.

Table of Contents

How to Travel from Italy to San Marino

The only way to get to San Marino is via Italy .

For a hassle-free visit, you only need your passport and visa (especially if you’re not Italian or European). After 30 days, you must obtain a visa and a residence permit from the authorities.

So, how do you reach this stunning microstate? We’ve prepared an easy guide for your smooth travel from Italy to San Marino.

To begin with, there are no airports in San Marino. If you’re flying in from another country, you’ll need to land in Rome , Milan , Bologna , Venice , or Remini to get to San Marino. If you’re flying into one of these cities, you’ll need to take a train to Remini first.

There are two ways to get to San Marino from Rimini: driving or taking the bus from the Rimini train station to San Marino.

1) Train to Remini

San Marino does not have a train or rail system. It is, however, easily accessible via bus from Rimini, Italy, which is where most visitors to San Marino begin their journey.

If you’re traveling from any major city of Italy to San Marino from any of Italy’s major cities, the first step is to board a train to Rimini Station.

Italy’s rail networks use a system that allows the price of tickets to be flexible. The price tends to rise as the departure date approaches. As a result, if you have the opportunity to book in advance, take it.

It is also possible to buy a train ticket on the day of travel, but expect to pay more.

Your point of departure has a significant impact on the cost. The following are the standard Trenitalia ticket costs and travel times for various routes:

Bologna to Rimini –

Direct trips. Travel time : 1 hour to 2 hours 15 minutes Fare : 9.85€ to 30€

Florence to Rimini –

Usually includes a transfer in Bologna or Faenza. Travel time : 2 hours 13 minutes to 4 hours Fare : 13.95€ to 50€

Milan to Rimini –

There are direct trains, but some trips have a transfer in Bologna. Travel time : 2 hours 6 minutes to 5 hours Fare : 25€ to 100€

Venice to Rimini –

Usually includes a transfer in Bologna. Travel time : 3hours 15 minutes to 5 hours Fare : 20€ to 80€

Rome to Rimini –

Usually has a transfer in Bologna. Travel time : 3.5 to 8 hours Fare : 24€ to 100€

*The majority of routes include a stopover in Bologna, the nearest major city to Rimini.

2) Bus from Remini to San Marino

When you arrive at Rimini Station, one of the first things you’ll notice is the Burger King across the street. You must proceed to that side of the road.

There is a small tabaccheria (tobacco shop) to the left of Burger King. That is where you can purchase San Marino tickets.

Don’t go to the Rimini Bus Station because they don’t sell tickets. You can only buy tickets at this small tabaccheria .

The first trip departs at 7:55 AM, and the last trip departs at 7:10 PM. The schedules are also 1.5 to 3 hours apart, so you may have to wait a while.

The one-way ticket costs 5 euros. You can also get a return ticket from the same tabaccheria .

The journey takes 50 minutes.

Once you have your ticket, walk to the Rimini Stazione (Rimini FF.SS.). The bus stop is located in the same street, in front of the Napoleon Hotel, just a quick walk from Burger King.

You’ll want to get on the bus early if you don’t have a seat assignment on your ticket.

The ticket is also not timed. You can wait for the next bus if you can’t find a seat or if you miss the first one. But the wait will take a few hours.

Piazzale Calcigni in San Marino’s old town is where the bus stops. Look around you and remember the location of this bus stop, because that’s where you’ll be returning to Rimini.

To get to the area’s tourist attractions, all you have to do is walk.

3) Traveling to San Marino by Car

San Marino is easy to reach by car if you have a current driver’s license and plan on renting a car.

There are no border controls to travel from Italy to San Marino.

However, parking in San Marino is limited; you’ll have to leave your car in nearby Borgo Maggiore and take the cable car up to the city. There is no shortage of parking spaces to choose from in the area close to the cable car station.

That’s it! We hope this guides helps on your travel from Italy to San Marino. Have a wonderful time!

Where To Stay In San Marino

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Visiting San Marino: 11 tips for your visit to this magical tiny country

San Marino is one of the smallest countries in the world – and one of the least-visited. But if you go to Bologna or Rimini in Italy and don’t make the very slight detour to visit San Marino, you’re missing out on a spellbinding country with a lot to offer. Read on for advice and tips for visiting San Marino, and how to get the most out of your trip.

Where is San Marino?

San Marino is a tiny country, just 24 square miles in area and completely surrounded by the Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions of Italy. It’s 8 miles from the Italian seaside resort of Rimini.

This post contains affiliate links – all that means is that if you buy something as a result of clicking on a link in the post, I’ll receive a small commission that helps me with the costs of running this site. Thanks!

San Marino is made up of 9 regions, although most visitors to San Marino will only visit the capital, Cittá di San Marino. While the whole country is hilly, Cittá di San Marino perches astonishingly on top of a mountain peak, so pretty it could come straight out of a fantasy movie.

Tip: Don’t say San Marino is in Italy! While it is surrounded by Italy, it’s an independent country.

Is San Marino worth visiting?

Absolutely yes – there are few places that I’ve been that are as spectacular and atmospheric. I’d planned a trip to San Marino mainly to tick another country off my list (my 42nd), but what I found was an incredibly beautiful and welcoming place that I’d love to return to.

Standing on the ramparts of one of the castle towers, climbing the narrow stone streets or taking the Witches’ Path through the forest between the towers, you could easily imagine yourself to be in a fairy tale. There’s some decent shopping, but what you’re really visiting San Marino for is the exceptional location, the extraordinary views and the otherworldly atmosphere.

Tip: If you have some flexibility in when you visit San Marino, try to pick the clearest day – the fewer clouds there are, the more you’ll see of the amazing views. That said, if you go to San Marino on a cloudy day in Rimini, you might well be above the clouds when you get to the top of Monte Titano.

How long to stay in San Marino

Most visitors to San Marino take a day trip from Bologna or Rimini, but I strongly recommend that you stay for at least one night and preferably two, particularly if you visit when there are events on. I definitely recommend staying overnight in San Marino if you’re visiting by public transport, as the bus timetable from Rimini doesn’t give anything like enough time to explore the city properly.

Cittá di San Marino is a maze of narrow streets which run along the sides of Monte Titano, gradually climbing as they go. Because everything is so compressed into a small space and lots of the roads run parallel to each other (but higher or lower up the mountain) it can be difficult to orientate yourself. We got lost when visiting San Marino a lot more than we normally do! There are a lot of steps so getting around takes a bit longer than you might expect based on looking at a flat map of the city.

Tip: staying for one or two nights in San Marino will give you the chance to see the city in the evening, when all the day trippers have gone home and the city is quiet and mysterious.

Getting to San Marino

Which airport should i use for san marino.

San Marino doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest is in Rimini, on the Italian coast, which is served by low cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz. If your local airport doesn’t have flights to Rimini, try Bologna, which is 85 miles to the north of San Marino.

How to get to San Marino by car

It’s probably easiest to visit San Marino by car, although large parts of the historic old town are either pedestrianised or access only so you’ll need to leave your car at one of the car parks. These are either on the edge of Cittá di San Marino or in Borgo Maggiore, the town further down the slopes of Monte Titano.

There are some hotels with parking, although not many. I stayed at the Hotel Rosa , which had parking for a small number of cars right outside the door. Parking in the main San Marino car parks cost 4 euro a day if you’re staying in a hotel in San Marino.

If you do bring your car when you’re visiting San Marino, I really recommend going on Google Maps’ Street View and planning your route before you arrive. The roads up Monte Titano zig-zag their way up, with hairpin bends and I found it quite confusing to know which way I should be going (I do generally have a decent sense of direction!).

Tip: If you’re renting a car, I recommend choosing as small a car as you can manage as the roads are narrow and twisty, and parking spots can be tight. You should also check that your car rental company will be ok with you taking the car into another country.

How to get to San Marino by public transport

The nearest railway station to San Marino is in Rimini, on the Italian coast.

If you’re flying into Bologna airport, the route that Google Maps recommends is the Marconi Express monorail to Bologna Centrale railway station, then a train from Bologna Centrale to Rimini, then a bus from Rimini to San Marino. This is fine, and it’s what I did, but I wish we’d taken the Shuttle Italy Airport bus straight from Bologna airport to Rimini.

The fast Frecciarossa and Intercity trains from Bologna to Rimini which take around an hour often sell out. If they do, you’ll have to take one of the slower Regionale trains which can take well over 2 hours and sometimes require a change.

The Regionale train I travelled back from Rimini to Bologna on was absolutely packed and we had to stand almost all the way back. The Shuttle Italy Airport bus takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to Rimini; it also means you don’t have to contend with the Marconi Express monorail, which was a lot less fun than it sounds!

Tip: Intercity trains from Bologna are around half the price of the Frecciarossa, but only take around 20 minutes longer. You should consider booking fast trains a week or so in advance – or if you’re travelling from Bologna airport, you could take the Shuttle Italy Airport bus.

Rimini to San Marino bus

Bonelli Bus runs a scheduled bus service between Rimini’s main train station and San Marino. The bus runs every day, including on Sundays and public holidays. There are around three timetables each year, one for the summer (April to mid September), one for the Autumn (mid September to November) and one for the winter (November through to April).

There are eight buses per day in each direction, with the first bus setting off from Rimini just after 8am and the last bus from San Marino returning just after 7pm. The journey takes between 50 and 55 minutes, depending on the time of day. The buses are more like a coach than a city bus, with comfortable seats and luggage storage underneath.

You can either buy tickets on board the bus or, in Rimini, at the little tabaccheria immediately across the street from the train station. Tickets cost 6 euro each way and are valid for any service; if you buy a return at the tabaccheria you’ll be given two tickets which you can use anytime. I was able to pay for my tickets by card in the shop but lots of people say that they don’t always accept cards, and can be funny about taking small change.

The bus stop for San Marino has recently moved – it was by the Burger King but it’s now a little further along Piazzale Cesare Battisti, outside the Hotel Napoleon.

In San Marino, the bus from Rimini stops at Parcheggio P1 A, just outside the city walls and immediately below the Porta del Paese – Porta San Francesco (Gate of St Francis).

A queue forms at the bus stop before each bus departure. Leaving San Marino it was very orderly, a bit less so in Rimini. While all of us managed to get on each time, I’ve read that that’s not always the case. If you go for the last bus back to Rimini from San Marino and don’t get on, you’re looking at a 45-50 euro taxi. We opted to catch the bus before the one we actually needed to catch to make sure we got a seat.

Tip: Make sure you’re at the bus stop well before the bus is due to leave, just in case there’s a long queue.

Things to do in San Marino

Tip: If you stay in a San Marino hotel, you’ll be given a TuttoSanMarino discount card , which gives you money off entry tickets for the three towers and lots of San Marino’s museum, along with discounts at shops and restaurants and on the cable car.

Visit the three towers

If you do one thing when you’re visiting San Marino, it should be to see at least one of San Marino’s iconic towers. The towers sit on Monte Titano’s three peaks and are connected by a ridge.

The first tower, known as Guaita, is the oldest, built in the 11th century. It’s also the most popular with visitors. You can explore almost every part of the Guaita fortress, including climbing up a very steep and narrow ladder to get to the highest turret!

The second tower, Cesta (but also known as De La Fratta) is temporarily closed for restoration work as of October 2022, but hopefully it’ll be open again soon. There are gorgeous views across to the Guaita tower and across the city, and many visitors say they found it the most beautiful tower. The Cesta tower is also home to the Museum of Ancient Weapons – while it’s closed, there’s a small display in the prison section of the Guaita tower.

San Marino’s third tower is the smallest, and it isn’t open to the public, although you can walk to it. It was built in the 14th century and was used as a prison tower.

Passo Delle Streghe – the Witches’ Path

Between the first and second towers, there’s a narrow path, known as Passo Delle Streghe, or the Witches’ Path. There are two stories for how the Witches’ Path got its name. One story says it was named because witches gathered here at night. In the morning, they would turn themselves into black cats and flee. The other story is more gruesome – it was where women who had been accused of being witches were taken to be thrown from the ridge.

The path is exceptionally beautiful, with stunning views in both directions. If you’ve seen a gorgeous picture that’s made you want to visit San Marino, there’s a good chance that it was taken here. Since it is so stunning, it’s also very popular with visitors so you might have to wait a while to get your perfect Instagram shot.

See Piazza della Libertà and the Palazzo Pubblico

A big part of my reason for visiting San Marino was because it is an independent country. The Palazzo Pubblico, on lovely Piazza della Libertà is San Marino’s official government building and where official ceremonies take place.

During summer (until mid September), you can watch the changing of the guard here – unfortunately I visited the week after it finished for winter.

Get your passport stamped

There’s no border control entering San Marino from Italy, but you can still make your visit official by getting your passport stamped at the tourist office on Piazzetta Garibaldi. It costs 5 euro and you’ll get a carefully-placed San Marino postage stamp and date stamp as a souvenir of your trip.

Next door to the tourism office, you’ll find San Marino’s Museum of Stamps and Coins. San Marino has its own stamps, some of which are highly sought after – it’s believed that at one point in history, selling stamps to foreign collectors made up 10% of San Marino’s national income.

Ride on the cable car

The cable car that takes you from the lower slopes of Monte Titano at Borgo Maggiore up to the centre of Città di San Marino, behind the Palazzo Pubblico. The ride only takes a couple of minutes but the views are spectacular.

Tip: If you get off the bus from Rimini to San Marino in Borgo Maggiore, you can arrive in the heart of the old town by cable car – much more exciting than the bus!

Visit San Marino’s unusual museums

San Marino has lots of museums, most of which have a distinctly dark nature! When you visit San Marino you can go to the Museum of Torture, the Museum of Curiosities and the Museum of Creatures of the Night. On a lighter note, you can visit the Museum of Waxworks – it’s no Madame Tussauds but it’s worth a look if you have the Tutto San Marino card which gets you into all these museums half price.

Check what’s on at Cava dei Balestrieri

Cava dei Balestrieri is an old quarry in the centre of San Marino, between the cable car station and Piazza della Libertà and is the setting for lots of San Marino’s most exciting events. The annual crossbow competition is held here in September, when you can see representatives of San Marino’s 9 regions compete to be named the crossbow champion.

In July, San Marino comes alive with 4 days of medieval parades and pageantry , with evening events featuring jesters, archery, troubadours, duels and flag-waving at Cava dei Balestrieri.

Tip: Check out the events calendar on the San Marino tourism office’s website before booking your trip – there are events throughout the year.

See the old train

These days, San Marino’s nearest train station is in Rimini, but it did have its own station for a while. The San Marino to Rimini railway opened in 1932 but closed only 12 years later due to the damage caused by bombs and fighting in World War 2. San Marino was neutral during the war but being surrounded by Italy meant that fighting did spill over the border.

I’m really into trains (check out my posts about my favourite heritage railways and a vintage market in Madrid’s railway museum ) so after I saw The Tim Traveller’s video about San Marino’s railway I had to go and see it.

There’s nothing left of the railway station in San Marino (it’s underneath the P2 bus park and the roundabout) but if you walk a little way down Via del Voltone you’ll see a stretch of track, a tunnel entrance and inside it, one of the old trains.

You can walk down the tunnel as far as you dare; when I visited there was an art installation further inside the tunnel and there’s apparently a great viewpoint where the tunnel briefly emerges on the side of the mountain, but it was a bit spooky for me. If you do go in, please let me know what it’s like in the comments! (Niche) tip: If you watch carefully, you can spot bits of the old railway line when you’re on the bus from Rimini to San Marino. The old Cerasolo station is right by the side of the road, next door to Federici Sofà.

Where to stay in San Marino

Choosing the best place to stay in San Marino will depend on how you’re getting to San Marino and how much luggage you’re bringing with you.

I stayed at Hotel Rosa , which is near the top of the mountain and in a prime position just underneath Guaita Tower. The views from our hotel terrace were absolutely amazing, and some rooms at Hotel Rosa have these incredible views from their windows. Breakfast was included, and the hotel had its own small car park. We arrived by bus, and it was a long way up a lot of steps from the bus stop. Luckily we’d packed light with just one small backpack each – I’m not sure I would have fancied the walk up with a lot of luggage!

Tip: For an extra-special stay, choose a hotel room with a view; the morning light over San Marino’s rolling hills as you open the curtains will take your breath away.

The best-reviewed hotel in San Marino is Hotel La Grotta . While it doesn’t quite have the views that you get further up the mountain, it does have some rooms with views across the valley. It’s right in the middle of the historic centre and easy walking distance to the bus stop and all the top sights you’ll want to see when visiting San Marino.

If you’re arriving by bus and you do have a lot of luggage, it’s worth looking at hotels at around the same level as the bus stop. Hotel Joli is up either a short slope or up in a lift to the next street up, and from there’s it’s a nice level walk to the hotel.

If you’re arriving by car, Grand Hotel San Marino could be a good option. It’s right in front of one of the largest car parks in the city and a short, gently sloping walk from Piazzetta Garibaldi where the tourist office is.

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Things to do in Rotterdam: day trip to 3 day break

Visiting bologna, italy: 9 don’t-miss tips for your trip.

From Rimini to San Marino , the oldest Republic in the world

Forget about the plain. From Rimini to San Marino the itinerary is anything but flat. Just enough time to pick up the pace and continuous ups and downs will take you to the top of the Republic of San Marino.

Description

The hills of Romagna that point towards San Marino are a classic cycling attraction of this region. This classic itinerary takes riders from Rimini to the territories of the ancient Republic of San Marino, the fortified city characterised by three famous castles. The route is not to be underestimated, incorporating various climbs and up and down sections until reaching the village of Ventoso.

14 hotels on the route From Rimini to San Marino

Cattolica, Adriatic Coast & Hills

Open from 28.03.24 to 30.11.24

from € 45.00

Riccione, Adriatic Coast & Hills

Open from 28.03.24 to 13.10.24

* Price in super half board

from € 67,00 *

Borgo Massano, Adriatic Coast & Hills

Open all year round

2 offers available

from € 45,00

Open from 16.03.24 to 30.11.24

from € 65,00

Rimini, Adriatic Coast & Hills

Open from 01.03.24 to 10.11.24

9 offers available

Gabicce Mare, Adriatic Coast & Hills

Open from 23.03.24 to 27.10.24

6 offers available

from € 35,00

Opne from 23.03.24 to 13.10.24

20 offers available

from € 40,00

Open from 20.03.24 to 30.10.24

3 offers available

from € 69,00

Open from 29.03.24 to 11.10.24

10 offers available

from € 50,00

Faenza, Adriatic Coast & Hills

from € 38,00

Open from 16.03.24 to 20.10.24

24 offers available

from € 34,50

Open from the end of March to the end of September

4 offers available

Open from 15.05.24 to 29.09.24

1 offer available

Request a free quote to these bike hotels

Explore more routes in the region

Tour di San Marino in 1 giorno

Per chi si trova in Riviera Romagnola, spesso le località e i borghi dell’entroterra sono meta di una visita che dura solo una giornata.

Con questo itinerario, in un solo giorno, è possibile conoscere i luoghi più interessanti della Repubblica di San Marino: attraversando le vie del borgo medievale di San Marino Città, Patrimonio mondiale dell’Unesco, si potranno incontrare i monumenti più importanti, luoghi di cultura, di svago e shopping ma ci sarà tempo anche per incursioni nella natura e piacevoli sorprese gastronomiche.

Arrivare a San Marino

San Marino Città si trova sul Monte Titano, a 25 km circa da Rimini, e si raggiunge percorrendo la Superstrada di San Marino. Salendo verso il centro storico si incontrano 12 parcheggi (a pagamento, numerati da P1 a P12) e per raggiungere il centro ci può servire di un comodo trenino navetta.

Per aggirare la difficoltà di parcheggio nei periodi a più alta affluenza come in estate, nel periodo natalizio e durante il fine settimana in genere, si consiglia di parcheggiare a Borgo Maggiore e salire in Città con la funivia in un paio di minuti, un modo sicuramente comodo e panoramico di iniziare la visita.

In alternativa è possibile prendere il bus della linea Bonelli che collega Rimini a San Marino Città al costo di 5€ a persona con corse circa ogni ora.

Info Funivia di Borgo Maggiore : si trova in Piazzale Campo della Fiera. Per orari e costi aggiornati consultare il sito ufficiale .

Le tre torri di San Marino

La prima tappa dell’itinerario è l’Ufficio del Turismo in Contrada Omagnano 20, dove si può reperire una mappa del centro e altro materiale turistico.

Da qui, imboccando Contrada della Pieve e Contrada dei Fossi, si trova la salita verso la Prima Torre, detta Rocca o Guaita.

Esistono diverse formule di ingresso, il consiglio è di scegliere il biglietto cumulativo che costa 10,50€ e consente la visita a tutti i Musei di Stato (Prima Torre, Seconda Torre, Palazzo Pubblico, Museo di Stato e Galleria Nazionale). 

Informazioni su orari e biglietti: www.museidistato.sm

La Guaita, prima torre

La Guaita risale al secolo XI ed è la maggiore e più antica delle tre. Utilizzata come posto di guardia e rifugio, si accede da un portone su una corte con giardino, ha la Torre Penna protetta da due cinte murarie, una torre campanaria, una cappella e alcuni locali adibiti prima ad alloggi e successivamente a prigioni, fino al 1970: alcune cellette interne recano ancora alle pareti le iscrizioni dei prigionieri.

Salendo in cima alla torre si può godere di una bellissima vista panoramica su San Marino e sul territorio fino al mare Adriatico.

La Cesta, seconda torre

Per raggiungere la Seconda Torre (chiamata anche La Cesta o Fratta) si può percorrere il sentiero che conduce al Passo delle Streghe, in circa 10 minuti.

La seconda Torre è un antico baluardo difensivo risalente al XIII secolo e si trova nel punto più alto del Monte Titano, a 750 m slm. Oggi ospita il Museo delle Armi antiche: 500 armi di tutti i tipi e di diverse epoche storiche dall’alto medioevo all’800.

Il Montale, terza torre

Diversamente dalle altre due torri, la terza torre non è aperta al pubblico nonostante sia conservata intatta la sua struttura fortificata. Inizialmente si trattava di un fortilizio distaccato dalle altre due rocche e fu collegato a esse nel 1320 da una possente muraglia di cui sono ancora visibili alcune tracce. All’interno si trova una prigione, detta Fondo della Torre , profonda sei metri e alla quale si può accedere solo dall’alto.

Si può comunque raggiungere con una passeggiata di circa 15 minuti su un sentiero un po’ accidentato (sconsigliato quindi a passeggini e sedie a rotelle) ma vale la pena perché si trova in un punto molto panoramico.

Museo di Stato di San Marino

Il Museo di Stato di San Marino si trova in piazzetta del Titano all’interno di palazzo Pergami Belluzzi. Dedicando un po’ di tempo alla visita del Museo, che ha spazi moderni e ben organizzati, si può fare un viaggio nella storia e nell’arte della Repubblica di San Marino dal Neolitico ad oggi.

Si articola in quattro piani tematici: al piano terra i reperti della sezione archeologica, al primo piano le testimonianze artistiche in Repubblica, al secondo l’arte di donazione e al piano interrato monete e medaglie sammarinesi e, occasionalmente, mostre temporanee.

Galleria Nazionale di Arte moderna e contemporanea

Affacciata sul Giardino dei Liburni, la Galleria Nazionale è un posto sospeso tra realtà e immaginazione, dove arte moderna e contemporanea trovano uno spazio architettonico ampio e piacevole.

Attraverso le opere in mostra, si ripercorrono i linguaggi del dibattito culturale dal Secondo dopoguerra agli anni Settanta. Tra i lavori esposti, anche “La resa” di Renato Guttuso, “Vita Embrionale” di Marina Busignani Reffi e opere di Achille Perilli ed Emilio Vedova.

Palazzo Pubblico

Si trova in piazza della Libertà, è la sede delle Istituzioni Sammarinesi: Capitani Reggenti, Congresso di Stato e Consiglio Grande e Generale. Vale la pena di visitarlo: oltre ad apprezzarne architettura, mobilio e affreschi, si scoprono le istituzioni sammarinesi e le tradizioni della Repubblica.

Un video all’interno spiega in modo semplice l’organizzazione istituzionale della Repubblica di San Marino e consente di apprezzare ancora di più la visita. Anche la sala dove si riunisce il Consiglio Grande e Generale si può visitare quando non si svolgono assemblee. D’estate si può assistere al suggestivo cambio della guardia davanti a Palazzo Pubblico.

La Basilica del Santo

La Basilica di San Marino è stata ricostruita nel XIX secolo sulle rovine di una pieve romanica. Si trova in piazzale Domus Plebis ed è dedicata al patrono della città e dello Stato.

All’interno, si può ammirare la statua di San Marino realizzata da Adamo Tadolini, allievo di Canova. Sull’altare maggiore anche l’urna con le reliquie del Santo. L’ingresso è gratuito.

Dove mangiare a pranzo a San Marino

Per un pranzo veloce a base di piadina (una delle migliori della zona), pizza e altre proposte, un posto da non perdere è “Hocus Pocus”, al Passo delle Streghe, quindi sul sentiero che porta dalla prima alla seconda torre. Un posto molto semplice, famoso per le sue piadine farcite e per le porzioni, davvero abbondanti. (Per info: 0549 992419)

Un posticino molto carino in pieno centro è invece “La Gatta”, una cantina/piadineria ideale sia per un pranzo che per un aperitivo al tramonto. Si trova in Contrada Santa Croce 21, nel centro storico di San Marino Città. (Per prenotare: 335 7346418)

Cosa comprare a San Marino

Le vie del borgo medievale di San Marino Città sono ricche di negozi di ogni tipo, dall’artigianato tipico alla pelletteria, dalle candele fatte a mano ai prodotti gastronomici locali. Tante anche le profumerie, le botteghe di liquori, i negozi di armi e le gioiellerie. Per chi ha ancora tempo e voglia di shopping, sulla Superstrada di San Marino in direzione Rimini ci sono due centri commerciali, Atlante e Azzurro, e un outlet, San Marino Factory outlet.

Museo delle Curiosità, dei Vampiri e altre stranezze

Oltre ai Musei di Stato, a San Marino Città ci sono alcuni Musei privati piuttosto insoliti: il Museo delle torture, delle Cere, dei Vampiri e dei Licantropi, delle Curiosità. Si trovano tutti in centro, visitabili a seconda dei gusti e del tempo a disposizione ma non inclusi nel biglietto cumulativo dei Musei di Stato.

Informazioni utili

• Parcheggi: sono numerati da P1 a P12 e si trovano vicino al centro di San Marino Città. Si consiglia di munirsi di monete: il parcheggio costa 1,50€ per un’ora, 4.50 € da 3 a 5 ore, 8 € per tutta la giornata e i parchimetri accettano quasi tutti solo monete.
• Autobus: info su orari e tariffe dell’autobus da Rimini a San Marino su http://www.benedettinispa.com/autolinee/rimini-san-marino.html

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Bus to San Marino Republic

Regular bus RIMINI - SAN MARINO  Bus companies : BENEDETTINI - BONELLI ONE WAY TICKET From RIMINI (Arco di Augusto, railway station -all year-, Piazza Marvelli- in summer ) - SAN MARINO CITTA' € 6,00 Other stops BORGO MAGGIORE (Casetti - Piscina - Tavolucci Bv. Valdragone)  DOMAGNANO (Croce - Giannoni - Cipressi)  SERRAVALLE (Sovrappasso, Fiorina - Mulino - Centro - Ponte Mellini - Braschi)  DOGANA (Confine)  CERASOLO (Fornace Marchesini)  Travel  time approx 50 min. BUS Timetable    download here

Passengers are invited to follow the updates on timetables and the 'travel safe by bus' service on the site

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