San Marino

<< Atlas

San Marino is a tiny independent state completely surrounded by Italy and located around Monte Titano, a mountain near Rimini. The small country was supposedly founded by Saint Marinus in the year 301, which makes it the oldest state in the world. A small community was indeed present on Monte Titano in the Early Middle Ages, and its independence is attested by some documents from the Late Middle Ages. For centuries the tiny state fought for survival, fending off various attempts at taking the country and absorbing some small villages into its domain. San Marino survived the Napoleonic Wars by befriending Napoleon and refusing his offer to expand the territory of the microstate. During the Italian Risorgimento, San Marino offered refuge to Giuseppe Garibaldi, who was chased by foreign armies, in exchange for preserving the independence of the small country. So, San Marino has survived until today and has made its long-lasting independence a fundamental part of its identity. The tiny country attracts tourists not only for its peculiarity but also for various historic landmarks and interesting museums.

✪ Three Towers of San Marino

The Three Towers (Tre Torri) are the three medieval fortifications located on Monte Titano in San Marino. The Guaita (or Rocca) is the first and largest one, and it was built between the Late Middle Ages and the 17th century. This castle features various fortifications, and part of it was once used as a prison. Now it serves as a museum and it is the most recognizable landmark in the small country, also offering a great view on the surrounding region thanks to its position. The second tower is called Cesta (or Fratta) and it is located on the highest point of Monte Titano. The tower hosts a museum of ancient weapons. The third tower, known as Montale, is the smallest one and it is not open to the public. The towers are linked by a path that runs along the top of Monte Titano, and are connected to the ancient city walls that still partly surround the old town of San Marino.

Basilica of San Marino

The Basilica of San Marino is the main church of San Marino, erected in the 19th century on the site of a previous structure. The church is in Neoclassical style, and it features a large porch with Corinthian columns on its facade. The basilica houses the relics of Saint Marinus. Adjacent to the basilica is the small Church of San Pietro, built in the 17th century.

Palazzo Pubblico

Palazzo Pubblico is the seat of the government of San Marino and its main institutional and administrative bodies. The palace was built in the late 19th century to replace a previous medieval building, and it features a clock tower and some richly decorated halls adorned with frescoes. Palazzo Pubblico faces Piazza della Libertà, a square featuring a panoramic terrace and a 19th-century statue.

State Museum of San Marino

The State Museum of San Marino (Museo di Stato di San Marino) is a museum of art and local history in San Marino. The museum houses some archaeological finds, including a collection of ancient Egyptian objects, and numerous artworks mostly from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Church of San Francesco

The Church of San Francesco is a Romanesque church in San Marino, built in the 14th century. The cloister of the church houses some Renaissance artworks. Next to the church is Porta San Francesco, one of the ancient city gates of San Marino.

Torture Museum of San Marino

The Torture Museum (Museo della Tortura) is a peculiar museum in San Marino that exhibits numerous tools once used for torture and punishment. The museum includes various original pieces from the 16th and 17th century.

Wax Museum of San Marino

The Wax Museum (Museo delle Cere) is a museum in San Marino featuring several wax models mostly of figures from the history of San Marino and Italy. The museum also displays some ancient tools used for torture.

Map of San Marino

Map of all places in San Marino