San Marino is located. Moving around the country. Try the local gastronomy

San Marino is a miniature state located in the northeast peninsula, between Italian regions Emilia-Romagna and Marche. It is the smallest and oldest republic on the planet. The full name of the country is the Most Serene Republic of San Marino.

Despite the very small area, the country is divided into 9 municipalities ( castelli): the capital of San Marino, as well as the Castelli Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Domagnano, Chiesanuova, Montegiardino, Serravalle, Faetano and Fiorentino. These areas, or city-communes, historically arose on the site of the first settlements, where defensive fortresses were subsequently erected.

The capital is not the most major city: only 4.5 thousand people live in San Marino, while in the industrial Serravalle - twice as many.

The republic owes its name to St. Marino, who at the beginning of the 4th century AD gathered a group of Christians and took refuge with them from the persecution of the Roman emperor Diocletian on Mount Titano. Marino was canonized during his lifetime. According to legend, his last words were: "I leave you free from other people." The tiny village quickly received the status of a separate state and already in the Middle Ages had its own republican laws that are in force in San Marino today.

In foreign policy the republic always observes neutrality.

Today, San Marino is deservedly one of the most visited countries in Europe. This is facilitated by both the rich cultural and historical heritage of the republic, and the distinctive hospitality of the locals.

Climate and weather

Subtropical prevails in San Marino mediterranean climate. This means that the summer here is long, hot and sunny, and the winter, although short, is rather cold.

There is practically no rain in summer, and the average daily temperature in August-September is +26 °C. At this time, breezes blow on the flat part of the country, which somewhat soften the heat.

Most cold month— February: at this time the air warms up to +7…+9 °C during the day. In winter it often blows cold North wind(here it is called " boron”), so at night there may be frosts down to -1 ... -4 ° C. Sometimes it snows, but the snow cover does not last long.

The best time to travel to San Marino is from May to September when the weather is at its most comfortable.

Nature

The nature of San Marino will impress any traveler. And if you climb higher into the mountains, you will see that the lands of Italy also “work” on the beauty of San Marino - after all, they offer a wonderful view from above. Mount Titano at 738 meters above sea level is the highest point in the country.

The flora of this region is very diverse and has about 4 thousand species. Numerous evergreens grow here: cypress, laurel, pistachio, cork oak, magnolia, pomegranate and olive, southern juniper and boxwood, blue-green agaves, lemon. Blackberries and dozens of flower species grow everywhere.

The fauna of the country is notable for the fact that, if desired, all its representatives can be found in the surrounding forests. In addition to the well-known squirrels and hares, martens, weasels, chamois, roe deer, wild boars and badgers are found here. Chub, tench, pike and even trout with grayling live in the rivers.

Attractions

The main attractions of the country are located in the capital - the city of San Marino. Inspection of the local architectural wonders always begins with the famous towers - Guaita, Montale and Chesta (they are depicted on the coat of arms of San Marino).

The Guaita Tower was built in the 11th century and initially served as a prison. Now it is perhaps the most popular place among tourists in San Marino. From the height of the tower, you can endlessly admire the picturesque beauties of the lands of San Marino and Italy. The Chesta Tower was built on highest point mountains of Monte Titano in the 13th century, and Montale was built a century later. True, now the access of tourists to this tower is limited.

It is also interesting to visit the Government Palace of San Marino, or Palazzo Publico. This grandiose building with battlements, pointed turrets and polygonal balconies looks much more like a defensive fortress than a secular palace. Actually, the palace has always performed protective functions. Inside, you can look at the perfectly preserved Council Hall, Assembly and Audience Hall, Voting Hall and a huge number of examples of medieval art.

Be sure to take a walk along Freedom Square (" Piazza della Liberta”) in front of the Government Palace. Here is the Statue of Liberty, which was presented to the city in 1876 by the German Countess Geirot Wagener. Huge reservoirs are located under the square. fossy that used to collect rainwater to provide the people of San Marino drinking water(there are almost no rivers in the country). Opens from the square beautiful view to the city and the local cemetery of Montalbo, which, oddly enough, is considered a popular tourist destination.

In the vicinity of the capital there are also many interesting historical monuments. Here it is impossible not to pay attention to unique temples who were in medieval San Marino not only places of worship but also centers of education and science. Very impressive is the San Marino chapel carved into the rock, located in Baldacerrone. In Cailungo there is a temple complex of San Rocco Oratori, where you can see the canvas "Madonna and Child", dated 1542. Domagnano has the church of San Michele Arcangelo, built in 1253. And the oldest church of St. Andrew, which is mentioned in the chronicles in 1144, is located in Serravalle. Is it true, ancient building has not been preserved, and the modern building was erected in 1824.

Nutrition

Italian cuisine dominates in the Republic of San Marino. Here you will be offered all the same ravioli, lasagna, canelloni, tortellini, pasatelli broth, various pastas and pizza. Especially popular are Roman escalopes, fried rabbit, bolognese cutlets, assorted "muttfuls" of three types of meat and fried partridge with different sauces. It is impossible, being in San Marino, not to try the San Iarino pie and caramel dessert " cacciatello».

In any restaurant you will be offered an impressive wine list. Muscat "Moscato di San Marino", as well as wines "Albana", "Biancale" and "Sangiovese" are considered the best. If you have the courage, you can try the local strong drink " mystra».

Of the Italian restaurants in the country's capital, tourists are usually advised to visit Ritrovo dei Lavoratori And Il Piccolo. Note that there are almost no alternatives to Italian cuisine in San Marino, except for American-European fast food in shopping malls. But if you want to take a break from pasta and pizza, you can dine in a restaurant Guang Dong, where visitors are offered a wide selection of Chinese and Japanese cuisine.

Accommodation

The bulk of tourists come to San Marino on a one-day visit and live in the nearby Italian city Rimini. In some cases, it turns out to be even cheaper.

But on the territory of San Marino there are about a dozen beautiful family hotels categories 3* and 4*. Almost all of them are located in a picturesque area with green parks and flowering gardens. As a rule, hotels have a pool and a restaurant. The rooms are air conditioned. Internet access and breakfast are often not included in the room rate.

Please note that from April to October, high season, rooms may not be enough, so we advise you to book hotels in advance.

As for rental housing in San Marino, it is mainly not apartments that are rented here, but houses designed for living big family. As a rule, the cost of such pleasure is at least 2,000 euros per month, which is perhaps more affordable than a long stay in a 4 * hotel, but not at all cheap for a long-term rental.

Entertainment and recreation

The first thing that impresses all travelers without exception in San Marino is the abundance of holidays, which are a series of religious and secular events. All celebrations are held in San Marino on a grand scale. Many holidays are concentrated in the period from January 6 (Epiphany) to February 5 (Anniversary of the liberation from the Alberonian occupation). It is extremely interesting to watch on April 1 and October 1 at the magnificent ceremony of transferring powers to the new captain-regent. And, of course, if you find yourself in San Marino at the end of April, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Formula 1 Grand Prix races. The most spectacular holidays are “ Medieval days» at the end of July and Independence Day on September 3rd.

IN Everyday life very popular in San Marino active species recreation. There are many football fields, swimming pools, tennis courts. Tourists are also offered roller skates, bicycles, basketball, hunting and fishing. Be sure to try yourself in local species sports - cymbal shooting and throwing balls " bocci».

If you come with children, be sure to visit the local aquarium, watch the life of rare fish and reptiles.

Museums deserve special attention in San Marino. You can touch the history in the State Museum of San Marino and the Museum of Ancient Weapons in the Chesta Tower. Paintings and sculptures of the 16th-17th centuries are presented in art gallery church of San Francesco. Car enthusiasts are in for a thrilling experience at the Vintage Car Museum and Exhibition Maranello Resso- the world's only exhibition of Ferrari cars since 1951. Curious exhibits are also presented in the Museum of Curiosities and the Wax Museum.

Purchases

Shopping in San Marino is already attractive because the country is a duty-free zone: here prices will be about 20% lower than in Italy! Therefore, it is here that tourists come who want to buy a whole wardrobe for 500-1000 €.

In San Marino, there are about ten so-called outlets where you can buy things from famous Italian designers with a 30-70% discount. Moreover, discounts are valid all year round, and during total sales in July-August and January-February, discounts are also doubled. True, at this time there is such an influx of shopaholics that running models and sizes are not easy to find.

The most popular outlet is the capital big chic, or San Marino Factory Outlet. All brands are placed in separate shops. Basically, these are things of the middle segment at reasonable prices.

Fur coats deserve special attention: there are two fur factories in San Marino - UniFur And Braschi. In factory shops you can buy a beautiful high-quality fur coat for 1000-1500 €.

It is believed that in San Marino you can buy high-quality sunglasses inexpensively: in the center of the capital there are really a lot of shops with huge selection glasses of different price categories. But you should be very careful not to buy a fake.

All tourists consider it their duty to purchase leather goods in the city of San Marino. There are many small private shops in the center, where during the sales period you can find leather jackets from little-known Italian brands for 200-300 €.

As for souvenirs and gifts, San Marino deservedly has the glory of a souvenir paradise. In local souvenir shops you can find anything: from glass and ceramic vases to exclusive jewelry. We also recommendbuy alcohol in San Marino, as it is cheaper here than in duty free.

When planning your shopping trip in San Marino, remember that almost all shops are closed between 13:30 and 16:00.

Transport

There is no airport or railway in San Marino. However, the country does just fine without them, since literally an hour from San Marino, in the Italian city of Rimini, there is international Airport named after Federico Fellini and railroad station. Buses and taxis run regularly from Rimini to San Marino.

Finding a taxi in San Marino is not a problem. There are about ten Sanmarinean taxi services, and to these are added a few more Italian ones that carry passengers from San Marino to Rimini and back.

There is also such a type of transport as a cable car. On it you can get to the cities of Borgo Maggiore and Monte Titano. The cable cars are called gondolas and run every 15 minutes. From July 1 to September 5, the cable car operates from 7:50 to 01:00, from September 6 to 30 - until 20:00, in October and March - until 19:00, and in November-February it stops working at 18:30 . The cost of the trip is 4.5 € in both directions.

If you wish, you can rent a car in San Marino. There are several car rental points in the capital. In order to rent a car, you need a credit card and an international driver's license. Driver must be at least 21 years of age.

Connection

San Marino has many internet cafes with wireless internet access. Internet services are also provided in all hotels, but it makes sense to clarify their cost in advance.

But mobile connection here is of excellent quality: the country uses the GSM 900/1800 standard. There are two mobile operators − Vodafone Omnitel And Telecom Italia Mobile. Roaming is also available, only the cost of this service can upset a tourist.

An alternative to expensive roaming can be telephone booths located everywhere. To pay for calls, you can use phone cards (sold at any kiosk or store), as well as tokens or small coins. At the post office and from some bars you can call the system " scatty”, that is, pay after the conversation.

If you need to call abroad, again, a street pay phone will help. You can also order a conversation at the call center. The cost of calls depends on the country of destination and the time of day. The cheapest time to call is between 22:00 and 08:00. If you are going to call from a pay phone, it is better to buy a special phone card that provides favorable rates to certain countries.

Safety

The crime rate in San Marino is one of the lowest in Europe, so there is no need to worry about safety here. But, as in any tourist place, you should beware of thieves of all stripes. Large sums of money, expensive jewelry, watches and other valuables are best stored in a hotel safe, even if for additional fee. By the way, you should not leave valuables in the hotel room either, as the administration is not responsible for things not deposited in the safe.

On the territory of San Marino there are no predatory animals, no outbreaks infectious diseases. Potential danger can only be a steep mountainous relief, for which roads and streets are known for their sharp bends.

Business climate

Since 1956, San Marino has had the status of a free economic zone. The country is an attractive offshore zone and enjoys a reputation as a "tax haven". It is not for nothing that many Italian companies locate their production facilities in San Marino in order to enjoy significant tax breaks. From the point of view of foreign investment, such areas as banking, numismatics and tourism are traditionally considered promising.

Real estate

As in many dwarf states, it is unlikely that you will be able to buy property cheaply in San Marino. The opportunity to have housing in a picturesque mountainous region with excellent ecology and excellent infrastructure costs a lot of money, and, apparently, San Marino understands this very well, since the cost of real estate in this country is traditionally high.

The conditions for purchasing an apartment or house in San Marino are not much different from the conditions for buying real estate in Europe or Italy. So, today any foreigner in San Marino can purchase an apartment, villa or commercial property with the right of ownership. But, unfortunately, you will not be able to obtain citizenship in this way, even if you buy a villa for several million euros. To become a citizen of San Marino, you must officially live here for 30 years.

Note that in this country, any real estate is taxed, but, fortunately, there is an agreement between Russia and San Marino that prevents double taxation.

Among residential real estate, most of the proposals are for sale country houses The apartment market is very poor. But villas and luxurious mansions are available in in large numbers. That's just the prices for a house in San Marino usually start from 500-600 thousand euros.

San Marino is a small but proud country, and this should be taken into account when communicating with its natives. Be sure to ask permission before photographing a local.

Residents of San Marino are offended if they are called Italians: however, it’s not at all because they don’t like Italians, they just value their own independence very much here.

A striking difference from Italy is also manifested in restrained etiquette: when meeting or getting to know each other in San Marino, they do not hug and kiss, as in Italy, but only shake hands.

Smoking is prohibited in most public places and, by the way, while driving. Violation of the last prohibition is punishable by a fine of 100 €.

As for currency exchange, we advise you to inquire in advance about the percentage of the commission that is charged at a bank or exchanger. Since the maximum percentage is not prescribed by law, in some places it can reach 10%. Some exchange offices may charge a fixed commission. Also note that in most banks, when exchanging foreign currency, you need to present a passport. Banks are open on weekdays from 8.30 to 13.30 and from 15.00 to 16.00. Exchange offices work an hour longer. By the way, the official money of San Marino - lira - is not in use here.

general information

Legend has it that San Marino was founded in the 4th century. Christians who fled persecution from Dalmatia, among them a stonemason named Marino. The country has a constitution that has remained essentially unchanged since 1263; according to it, legislative power is vested in sixty members of the Great Council, executive power is vested in ten members of the Council of State and two Captains Regent, who are elected on April 1 and October 1 for six months, after a magnificent ceremony they take office. San Marino's main sources of income are the sale of postage stamps, coins, handicrafts, agriculture and tourism.

Sights of San Marino

It's best to enter Old city, surrounded by a ring of walls through the Porta San Francesco, the gate of the XV century. The most important building here is the church of St. Francis, built in 1361 by Comacini masters, where today a pinacothek with paintings of the 13th-18th centuries is open. To the northwest of the church there is a memorial stele commemorating the granting of shelter in 1849 to San Marino by Garibaldi and 2000 of his supporters. A little higher is Piazza della Liberta, central square city ​​with the Statue of Liberty by Stefano Galletgi. Here stands the Neo-Gothic Palazzo del Governo, built in 1894, also called Pubblico. If you go from here along the Contrada del Pianello, then you can get to the so-called. Canton where the right side is final stop funicular. From here, on the left, the road leads to Cava dei Balestrieri, the parade square where tourist season local crossbowmen demonstrate their art. In the neoclassical Basilica di San Marino, the relics of St. Marino. To the right of the basilica is the chapel of San Pietro, where, according to legend, the stone lodges of St. Marino and his companion St. Leo. The multi-stage Salita alla Rocca leads to ancient fortifications, towering on the three peaks of Monte Titano, connected by a passage along the inner side of the fortress wall: Rocca Guaita was built in the 11th century, Rocca Chesta, also called Fratta, in the 13th century, Rocca Montale - also in the 13th century. , and in 1935 it was rebuilt.

How to get there

San Marino can be reached from Rimini on the SS 72 motorway, and then on a winding, steep road. A good alternative would be to take the funicular from the lower town of Borgo Maggiore.

San Marino (The Serene Republic of San Marino) is a mountainous dwarf state, the oldest in Europe and one of the smallest in the world– the area of ​​the whole country is only 61 square kilometers.

Despite the small area, many unique sights are concentrated in this state. It is here that you can feel the atmosphere of the Middle Ages and see ancient towers and castles.

San Marino is officially located in Italy. The most interesting and famous sights states are located in historical center and they can be reached on foot.

San Marino - truly unique country. Only here there is a single opening time for all museums and attractions and one price for tickets.

The list of state museums includes the government palace, State Museum San Marino, Museum and Art Gallery Francis, San Marino Towers and Modern Art Gallery.

Each museum has a wonderful souvenir shop where you can spend from 2-3 euros for a magnet or from 50 euros for a book with reproductions of paintings and the history of San Marino.

Government Palace (Palazzo Publico)

Government Palace - Historical building located in the center of San Marino. Late 19th century palace was redesigned in neo-gothic style, which has survived to this day.

The building is typical northern Italian architecture, the palace (especially the clock tower) is reminiscent of the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti in Florence in style. The coat of arms of San Marino is often repeated in the decorations of the palace.

Around the palace every half an hour every day (from 9.30 am) changing of the guard of honor- this is a very interesting sight. The palace guards are dressed in an unusual uniform - dark green tunics and red pants.

You can admire the changing of the guard for free. The facade of the palace overlooks Freedom Square, where the Statue of Liberty is installed.

Address: Freedom Square, 1 (Piazza della Liberta).

There are many restaurants in Piazza della Liberta. The most attractive are fish (average bill 22 euros), establishments serving traditional Italian cuisine, will cost less (average check 15 euros).

Righi la Taverna stands out among them, where you can taste real Italian wines.

Opening hours of all museums in San Marino

Single ticket price to all state attractions of San Marino:

full price for visiting one museum 3 euros, preferential price 1,5 (students under 26, schoolchildren, tourist groups).

It is possible to purchase a combined ticket to two museums (or Towers, Government Palace) - its cost will be 4.5 euros. There is also a Museicard (Museum Card), which provides discounts and bonuses to owners.

Map of San Marino and Photos of Attractions

State Museum (Museo di Stato di San Marino)

The State Museum is located in the building ancient palace Pergami (Palazzo Pergami). The museum exhibits archaeological finds, objects of art and everyday life, an extensive and a unique collection of coins and medals from the 19th and 20th centuries.

The area of ​​the museum is quite large - it takes several hours to view the main exposition. On four floors former palace you can also find halls dedicated to icons and books.

Here you can see the influence of Egypt and the Roman Empire on the development of the culture of San Marino. In a buiding is the Public Library and Archives of the country.

Address: Piazza Titano, 1 (Piazzetta Titano).

Towers of San Marino

The First Tower (Guaita) is the first tower built in San Marino back in the 11th century. The tower was almost destroyed in the 15th century, in the 18th it took on its present form and began to function as a prison.

For the past 40 years, the tower has been a landmark and the oldest of the three towers.

Address: Salitta alla Rocca.

The Second Tower (Cesta) is the second tower built in San Marino in the 13th century. The tower became the basis for the defense of San Marino in the 16th century, defensive walls were erected around it.

Perched on Monte Titano (which rises to 750 meters above sea level), the tower provides breathtaking views from above the clouds. In the tower itself there is a museum of ancient weapons.

Address: Salitta alla Cesta.

The third tower (Montale) was built in San Marino at the beginning of the 14th century for defensive purposes.

A few years after the construction, a prison was organized in the tower. The peculiarity of this prison was the entrance, located at a height of seven meters, so that the prisoners could not escape.

Address: Salitta et Montale.

Museum and Gallery of St. Francis (St. Francis Museum)

The museum and gallery are located near the church, built in 1376. At the museum and gallery collected canvases and works of several art schools Northern Italy 15-18 centuries - in the Middle Ages (about these areas). Many exhibits were donated to the museum by fans of the republic.

Address: Via Basilicius.

Very close to the museum on via Basilicius, 28 located a small restaurant Bolognese specializing in "menuturistico". They serve good wine and excellent bolognese pasta. The average check is 20-25 euros.

Learn everything about the tiny state and at the same time: its history, population and location.

Very close to this city is Rimini, where you can profitably buy excellent things in outlets. Details.

Pasta bolognese in San Marino is very tasty, but in the homeland of this dish, in Bologna, it is prepared in a special way, and there is something to see there - take a look at the photos of attractions.

Gallery of Modern Art (Contemporary and Modern Art Gallery)

The Gallery of Modern Art has a collection of over 750 works in various techniques from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day. The gallery features oil and watercolor paintings., sculptures and photographs.

Address: Via Egippo.

Cathedral of Saint Marinus (Basilica di San Marino)

Saint Marinus Cathedral is one of the most beautiful and famous cathedrals in San Marino. It is dedicated to Saint Marina, after which the state is named. The earliest references to this church date back to the 6th century, modern look it adopted in the 9th and 10th centuries.

In the 19th century, due to the catastrophic state of the church, it was decided to demolish it and a cathedral was erected in its place, which can be seen today. The building was built in the neoclassical style - using a colonnade and light stone.

The cathedral is open to everyone, you only need to follow the rules in clothing - no open knees and shoulders. A statue of the saint is installed in the cathedral and his relics are kept. Not far from the cathedral is the Basilica of St. and the Church of San Puetro (Saint Perth).

Divine services are held in the cathedral - every weekend at 11:00. IN weekdays in summer at 18:00, in winter at 17:00. Cathedral address: Piazza Domus Plebis.

The oldest state in Europe, San Marino, located on the slopes of Monte Titano, is truly the pearl of the Apennine Peninsula. Founded in the XIV century, it, one way or another, managed to preserve its best traditions and customs, as well as the state system.

San Marino today is enough modern country, which keeps the memories of the numerous battles for independence in which it was involved indigenous people.
The inhabitants of this wonderful country mostly descended from Italians, but they are strikingly different from their neighbors.

Even the most absent-minded tourist, once in San Marino, will note the rather calm disposition of the San Marino residents, their goodwill and willingness to help. Most of all, residents value and revere centuries of history and customs of their homeland.

The traditional costume of the representatives of this country practically does not differ from the folk clothes of the Italians. Previously, men wore light-colored linen shirts and cropped trousers, while women preferred to dress up in long skirts, tunics, while choosing darker tones.
As in most small towns scattered across northern Italy, life in San Marino goes on as usual.

The population of the country, which, according to the latest estimates, is only about 32 thousand people, is quite secure. And the numbers confirm this. GDP per capita amounted to more than $62,000 per year.

peace miniature state guard their own armed forces, which include about 50 people. However, the residents themselves note that they can defend their homeland at any time.

The Republic of San Marino also boasts its own prison, which contains only one prisoner.

He is provided with truly royal living conditions: lunches and breakfasts from the nearest restaurants of the city, as well as the presence of a TV room and a library.

Attractions

Speaking about the sights of this miniature country, it is worth noting that nine castle towns are located on its territory, which, in combination, are administrative centers: San Marino, Borgo Maggiore, Chienazuova, Domagnano, Acquaviva, Fatano, Fiorentino, Montegiardino and Serravalle.
It will not be difficult for you to get from one castle to another: they are all connected by a network of roads scattered between high mountains and rolling hills.

Not a single tourist who has visited San Marino will be able to leave empty-handed. He will definitely buy ceramics, traditional for the commune, or world-famous stamps and coins with state minting. Local wines and liqueurs are especially popular here, just like in Italy.

Today, one of the smallest countries in the world attracts more and more tourists. San Marino can rightly be considered a state of magnificent castles and buildings, which, despite their age, have retained their original form.

Obviously, San Marino should be included in your travel plan, because there is hardly a tourist who refuses a delightful walk through the ancient city-state, which will retain the memories of bygone times for a long time to come.

↘️🇮🇹 USEFUL ARTICLES AND SITES 🇮🇹↙️ SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Do you know which of the dwarf states is the dwarfest and oldest? This is the Republic of San Marino. But in the case of the state, old age and small size only add to its merits. When you drive up to the capital of the state of San Marino, the city of the same name, it becomes clear how they managed to maintain their independence from the 4th century to the present day.

The city of San Marino is protected by Monte Titano, which rises seven hundred and fifty meters above sea level. At first we drove up by car along a moderate serpentine, then we continued on foot already outside the walls of the fortress. When there was no motor transport, climbing the mountain where the capital of the dwarf state is located was a serious obstacle to the armies of the conquerors.

Napoleon, during his Italian campaign, declared that San Marino should be preserved as an example of freedom and passed by. In World War II, the republic managed to maintain its neutrality and avoid ruin. Cesare Borgia took the fortified city in 1503, but the Sanmarinians managed to get rid of tyranny a few months later.

For motorists, it is worth noting that if you uploaded maps of Italy to your navigator, then the map of San Marino will not be there, we fell into this trap and followed the signs on the road.

Among tourists San Marino is popular as duty free zone. But this is not the only advantage of a tiny state. From the mountain of Monte Titano open absolutely unforgettable views of the hills of Italy. The popular seaside resort - Rimini is located just 22 km from San Marino from the walls of the fortress you can see the Adriatic Sea in good weather.

Rimini and San Marino are connected by an excellent multi-lane highway, the uphill traffic was dense, many Italians go to the shops of the neighboring state for shopping. We went to a grocery supermarket at the entrance to the fortress, buyers rolled back carts loaded with a slide, you can immediately see what they were gaining in reserve, the prices are really pleasing.

Apennines - view from the walls of San Marino

Proximity seaside resort nearby provides San Marino with a continuous flow of tourists enriching the treasury of the state. Official language- Italian, not official - Russian, absolutely all sellers speak pure Russian, this surprised me the most, to see Russian tourists are welcome guests in San Marino stores.

We managed to park the car right under the walls of the fortress, 50 meters from the gates of San Francesco. Parking is paid, the price is quite reasonable, otherwise I would remember how much they took. You need to pay at the machine and put the check under the glass.

Starting from the Del Loco gate is only possible hiking route, just outside the gate there is a lush trade, but the higher you go uphill, the less fuss and people, many tourists are not interested in architecture and landscapes, but simply go shopping pragmatically.

The weather was rainy and cold, only +16. All Russian sellers told us that they would never remember such a cold July, it certainly hadn’t been for 10 years. We walked around San Marino on 07/10/2014. The umbrella that we bought broke, we had to fix it with adhesive tape, so in Germany you can also buy low-quality goods, the umbrella served us only 1 day.

The rain, fortunately, poured intermittently, and by the evening it completely ended. Low clouds make it difficult to enjoy the surrounding scenery. The city was fortified and protected by three rows of fortifications built in different time. The characteristic teeth on the towers are reminiscent of the Moscow Kremlin.

In total, there are three ancient fortresses on Mount Titano, two of them are museums, and the third is just a tower inside there is no entrance. Three fortresses are depicted on the coat of arms of the state.

Modern sculptures are installed at the foot of the fortress.

We photographed only fairly conservative specimens, there were also very strange ones.

Only at home I found out that it turns out that the sculpture is called “Bees”, we, as a whole friendly family, recognized mosquitoes in these insects. For bees, they are very thin, and what they do, everyone understands to the extent of their depravity.

Beneath the wall is a crossbow quarry where crossbow shooting competitions are still held.

government palace

The Government Palace is a new building, construction was completed in 1894. A new palace was built on the site ancient palace XVI century. Above the clock of the palace are images of St. Marino, the founder of the state, surrounded by St. Agatha and St. Leo. In front of the palace is the Statue of Liberty, as it looks in the Sanmarin version.

Church of Santo Pieve

Alas, this church is a new building. The Sanmarines admitted that they had caused irreparable harm to the country when they demolished the old pre-Romanesque church of Pieve. old church stood at the origins of Christianity and represented unique monument history and culture of the state.

Under the altar of the modern church, part of the relics of St. Marino is kept. He lived during the time of the Roman emperor Diolectian and was a Christian; the future saint fled to Monte Titano to escape persecution and lived a long life with the Christians who joined him. He and his followers founded this tiny state.

The first fortress - Guiata

It is impossible to say exactly when construction began, it is absolutely known that in 1371, according to documentary sources, there were already three fortresses on the mountain, the beginning of construction is presumably attributed to the 10th century.

Naturally, over the long years of its existence, the fortifications have been rebuilt and restored many times.

The second fortress - Chesta

Sometimes this fortress is also called Fratta. The fortress, like the others, stands on the very edge of the cliff, on the very high peak mountains of Titano. Now in the fortress there is a museum of ancient weapons, which we visited, our boys love weapons. The ticket to the museum is made in the form of a plastic card, you can give it back at the exit and get 1 euro for each ticket.

Very picturesque old paths lead from one fortress to another. The second fortress in my opinion is the most beautiful.

Only those who bought a ticket to the museum of ancient weapons can walk along the towers of the fortress, hanging over a cliff, so I advise you.

Third fortress - Montale

The third fortress is just one tower. Most likely, the fortress was simply not completed due to the changed political situation.

The tower served as an observation and sentry and covered the left flank of Chesta.

Well, some more picturesque views of the surroundings. Fields and hills of Italy.

Going down, you again plunge into the crowd making purchases in the lower stores. everyone recognizes San Marino as the highlight of the entire trip. Crazy fuss reigns only in the first tier, the higher you go upstairs, the quieter and calmer.