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We love an outrageous adventure, so exploring San Marino, the fifth smallest country in the world while visiting our wedding venue in Italy? Sign us up!
Tucked away in the rolling hills of central Italy, San Marino is a tiny yet captivating country that feels like a step back in time. As one of the world’s oldest republics, this microstate boasts breathtaking medieval architecture, panoramic views of the Italian countryside, and a rich history waiting to be explored. San Marino is the last remaining Italian city-state and remained neutral during WWII.
Wander through the cobblestone streets of its capital, also named San Marino, and discover landmarks like the towering Guaita Fortress, one of the Three Towers that stand proudly atop Mount Titano. Whether you’re indulging in traditional Sammarinese cuisine, browsing charming local shops, or taking in the stunning scenery, a visit to San Marino offers a unique blend of history, culture, and beauty that leaves a lasting impression.
Exploring San Marino
Airports
Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Rome) may be the cheapest to fly into if you’re flying from the United States, but the drives will be longer. Aeroporto di Bologna – Guglielmo Marconi (Bologna) or Aeroporto di Firenze ?Amerigo Vespucci” (Florence) will be one of the closer airports to fly into. We chose to fly into Rome.
Transportation
There was once a railway that operated into San Marino, until it was damaged by bombing during WWII. The republic abandoned repairs of the railway to focus efforts on their highways. This means you will most likely need to rent a car to visit the micro-state. We picked up our rental car from the Rome airport and used Rental Cars to find the best deal.
Part of the country sits atop the mountain overlooking the rest of the microstate, and there’s an aerial cable car system you can take up to this part. The Funivia di San Marino cable car runs every fifteen minutes and is under a three-minute ride. We parked our car and headed to the cable car!
Where to stay
Although we didn’t stay overnight, there are plenty of accommodation options in San Marino, and budget-friendly as well!
Things to do
Albeit small, and landlocked by Italy, San Marino has a rich history and plenty to do while you’re there. Here are a few ideas:
Take the cable car to the top
his is where you’ll find the panoramic views as well as the towers that are still standing. The Funivia di San Marino cable car runs every fifteen minutes and is under a three-minute ride. We parked our car and headed to the cable car!
Piazza della Libertà
Piazza della Libertà is one of the first places you can walk to once you’re at the top of San Marino. The views are stunning, and this historic center is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This piazza dates back to the foundation of San Marino as a city-state, circa 13th century.
San Marino is the only surviving Italian-City state. The Republic survived due to the geographical location: perched on a mountain. There are a lot of the original structures still standing and remain unchanged with modernization.
Museums
For being small country, there a plenty of museums. There’s museums showcasing the country’s history, and even specialty museums such as the Museum of Torture and the Museum dedicated to Vampires and Werewolves
Enjoy a coffee and sweet treat: It was easy to spot us as non-locals when we ordered out cappuccinos (even in ITalian) and then the gentlemen behind us order espresso shots, downed them like shots at a bar, and headed to work. Iconic and chaotic behavior from the San Marino gentlemen.
Stroll Through the Historic Center
The Centro Storico di San Marino, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and charming shops. Key sites include the Piazza della Liberta and the Palazzo Pubblico, where visitors can witness the changing of the guard.
Walk the Passo delle Streghe (Witches’ Path)
Considered the most picturesque spot in San Marino, the scenic cobbled walkway is a must when visiting. You can walk from the Guaita and Cesta towers while taking in stunning views of below.
Visit the Basilica di San Marino
Dedicated to Saint Marinus, the republic’s founder, this basilica houses his relics and provides insight into the nation’s religious heritage.
As always Lexie your posts/blogs make me feel like I’m there. Thanks for this informative blog!
Just keep these coming. Always great to see “wherenextwithlex” <3