Fascinating Facts About San Marino
- San Marino is a landlocked micronation. It is one of the smallest countries in the world (5th smallest) and completely surrounded by Italy. This is why it is called an Enclave. Only the Vatican City, Lesotho and San Marino are like this.
- It is the world’s oldest republic that still exists. It was started in 301AD.
- San Marino enjoys one of the world’s best GDP per capita. The biggest industry is tourism. Selling postage stamps and coins to keen collectors is an important source of income too.
- You do not need to show your passport when entering the town. You can, however, visit the Tourist Information Centre and pay €5/$8NZ for an official stamp in your passport as a souvenir.
- Although it is not part of the EU, the Euro is still its currency.
- Fewer than 30,000 people live here and it is only 61km square.
- Three defensive fortresses perch precariously on the cliff faces, looking out to the Adriatic coast
- As an independent state, San Marino has its own military – one of the smallest in the world! The changing of the guard takes place from April to September every half hour from 8 am to 6 pm. Based on some of the guards we saw, I think they might boast some of the oldest military members too!
- Many locals and foreigners head to San Marino for tax-free shopping. Despite its tiny size, the country boasts hundreds of chic shops and boutiques. We also saw a large number of shops selling all sorts of weapons, including crossbows, guns/rifles and knives. Perfume and sunglasses were also a popular choice but we were more interested in the shops selling wine, spirits and liqueurs!
Our Stay in San Marino
It was approximately a 6-hour drive from where we stayed in Chamonix, France. We had two nights before we needed to be at our next assignment in Italy.
San Marino sounded just the right spot to visit and sounded like a fascinating place to stay.
Accommodation
As with all the walled cities, we have visited, parking is nearly impossible and usually have a ‘no vehicle’ policy unless you have a permit (residents).
San Marino is no different so part of our research into where to stay had to involve information on parking availability or directions on how far away parking was.
Hotel Rosa ticked all the boxes for us. Although it wasn’t a priority to park on site, it was a bonus that our room rate included a parking permit and a space in the basement of the building. Another huge factor was the fact that they were located inside the walls of the town. We were in a top location with spectacular views.
It cost us €278/$486NZ for two nights, including breakfast and parking. This was for a ‘middle of the range’ room. Our room had a balcony and town/valley views.
The Three Fortresses of San Marino
As soon as we settled into our room, we headed for the imposing fortresses that can be seen for kilometres, sitting regal and majestic on the sheer cliffs of San Marino.
Towers 1 and 2 standing proudly overlooking the valleys below. They formed an impressive defence against enemies below.
We struck it lucky with it being some sort of Heritage Weekend and entry was free. It was later in the afternoon as well, so we had missed the major influx of large tourist groups.
You can see two of the three towers by purchasing the “Red Card” for €4.50/$7.80NZ. The “Yellow Card” (€3) only allows you to see one of the towers. You cannot enter the third tower due to the door being halfway up the tower with no stairway up.
- Tower One: The Guaita – is the oldest of the 3 towers and the most famous. Built in the 11th century without foundations and straight onto the rock, it has been reinforced many times. It served as a prison until as late as 1975
- Tower Two: The Cesta – is located on the highest peak of Mount Titano. It was built in the 13th century on the remains of an older Roman fort. Today it houses a museum with over 1,500 weapons from the Medieval Era to the modern day.
- Tower Three: The Montale – is on the outer, smaller rocky summit. Unlike the other towers, it is not open to the public. Constructed for protection, it was also used as a prison. The entry door is some 7 metres off the ground, which was common for prison construction at the time.
I can only describe the location of these fortresses as “breathtaking”. The engineering, skills and workmanship that it would have taken to construct these buildings is nothing less than mindblowing.
The Three Towers of San Marino are the most iconic and most photographed scene in Italy. They are the symbol that appears on their national flag and coat of arms.
It’s Small But Still Packs a Punch
At some 650 meters above sea level, it is a place to stone fairytale castles and buildings. On a clear day, you are treated to sweeping views across to the Adriatic Sea and rolling hills which stretch out before you like a patchwork quilt.
Cathedrals, piazzas, cobbled streets galore
The town is peppered with original cobblestone streets which are quite steep. Wearing good walking shoes are definitely preferable. With it being mainly pedestrianised, our trusty feet were the best option for exploring.
We simply spent our time walking around the city. The narrow streets are full of surprises as you wind your way up and down the hillside.
You have the usual Piazza’s (Public Squares), Parliment Building, Cathedrals, Museums and Art Galleries interspersed with Duty-Free shopping, restaurants and cafes.
A cooling Aperol, alleyway dining and local red wine – perfect!
The real magic starts as the day trippers leave and the city heaves a sigh of relief. We were spoilt for choice when it came to finding that ideal spot to watch the setting sun, sipping on Aperol and finishing off with local red wine.
the magic ramps up at night
Sentiro Della Rupe or The Cliff Trail
You certainly want to be completely sober before tackling the Cliff Trail. We headed off early the next morning to follow the appropriately named track.
Just the name alone was enough to start ringing alarm bells. I frantically read reviews to make sure that I wasn’t going to have any height provoked panic attacks.
It’s okay, I’ve got this…..really I have!!!
I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to walk this track just because I have a few vertigo issues. The reports I read didn’t sound too bad and I decided I should be fine as long as I took my time.
It wasn’t a long hike, just a few kilometres in a circular direction starting at the base of the third tower. There were some beautiful views and amazing rock formations as we walked along steep cliff faces.
Are we there yet? If I can just hug this cliff then I can’t see the drop down the other side
Yes, there were some rather challenging sections of the track. Narrow stairs dug into the sides of cliffs meant that there were a few times I had to do some self-talking. My trusty aide Scotty, patiently talking me through the worst of the places as he guided me and my sweaty palms and feet down the vertigo-inducing sections.
Summary
Like so many places in Italy, San Marino was yet another highlight for us. We learnt so much about this little country that we didn’t even know existed. Like its sister tiny countries, The Vatican and Monaco, it was really interesting to understand how they can still exist when surrounded by Italy. Their independence and their struggles to keep their own history and customs that have been around since 301AD is astounding.
Click on the link below for a video of our highlights in San Marino.