Republic of San Marino

San Marino is an independent republic of 61.19 km², entirely surrounded by Italian territory between the provinces of Rimini and Pesaro e Urbino. It is the third smallest state in Europe, after Vatican City and the Principality of Monaco, and one of the oldest republics in the world: its traditional founding dates back to 3 September 301.

The old town stands on Monte Titano, a limestone rock spur rising to 749 metres above the Marecchia valley. Together with the Three Towers that crown it, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.

What to see in the old town

The Palazzo Pubblico, seat of San Marino's institutions, overlooks Piazza della Libertà, dominated by the Statue of Liberty. Nearby, the Basilica di San Marino holds the relics of the republic's founding saint: it was built between 1826 and 1836 to a design by architect Antonio Serra, on the site of an earlier Romanesque parish church.

The Three Towers, Guaita, Cesta and Montale, follow one another along the ridge of the mountain and are linked by a scenic footpath.

Planning your visit

To reach the city from the Borgo Maggiore car park, the cable car opened in 1959 covers 338 metres in length and a 166-metre change in altitude in just a few minutes, with pets welcome on a lead or in a carrier. A day is enough to see the old town, at least one of the Three Towers and one of the state museums.

San Marino is also a shopping destination, thanks to lighter taxation than in Italy: independent shops cluster in the old town, while chain stores and larger retailers line the SS72. San Marino's cuisine shares many dishes with Romagna's tradition, starting with piadina, thicker and more generously filled here, alongside tagliatelle, strozzapreti and home-made ravioli.