San Marino Overview Tour
San Marino is one of the smallest states on Earth (after Monaco and Vatican) and the oldest state in Europe, surrounded on all sides by Italy. The territory of San Marino consists of 9 ancient fortresses (or towns – communes), including the capital itself with the same name, which emerged on the site of the first settlements: Accuaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Domagnano, Chiesanuova, Montegiardino, Serravalle, Faetano, Fiorentino.
Stone houses with tiled roofs clustered in narrow winding streets, smart squares and iconic landmarks (for example, the three medieval towers depicted on the coat of arms) – this is a portrait of one of the most compact and picturesque capitals in the world.
In the north lies Castelli Serravalle, the most densely populated municipality in the Republic. The country’s sporting heart beats here: the Olympic and baseball stadiums seat thousands of spectators and host major international competitions. Those away from sport can explore the medieval fortress, stroll through the parks and shop in the famous European outlet.
The second most populous town in San Marino is Borgo Maggiore, formerly known as Mercatale – “market”. Trade is still booming here today, with the Piazza Grande famous for silk, crystal and other high quality goods.
Torrachia’s watchtower is notable in Castelli Domagnano, and the ruins of once impregnable castles in Fiorentino. Accuaviva provides the country with drinking water, while Montegiardino provides valuable human resources: it is home to San Marino’s only university.
The Basilica of San Marino (or Basilica del Sante) is the city’s main church, dedicated to the saint of the same name. It is a neoclassical building with a portico supported by eight Corinthian columns.
Palazzo Público is the heart of San Marino’s political life and history. This palace stands on Piazza della Liberta, on the same site as the ancient Domus Comunis Magna, and was originally built sometime between 1380 and 1392. It was later rebuilt by the Roman architect Francesco Azzurri.
The three towers of San Marino stand on the three peaks of Monte Titano, in the capital, San Marino. They are featured on the national flag and coat of arms of San Marino. The oldest of the three towers is the Guaita. It is also the most famous. Guaita was built in the 10th century and was used as a prison.
Mount Monte Titano is part of the Appenines and the highest point in San Marino. It sits almost 740 metres above sea level, right in the middle of the capital, San Marino
The Museum of Torture Instruments – the inquisitor’s chair, the ossuary, the guillotine, the drawing bench are just a few of the objects used in the Middle Ages for torture. The San Marino Torture Museum contains more than 100 instruments invented by mankind to inflict physical pain and death.
