San Marino: Spending A Day In One Of The Oldest And Smallest Countries In The World

Interested in a quirky country with roots that trace farther back than most every other country in the world? Or, are you at least interested in a cool stamp for your passport?

Well then, San Marino might just be for you!

San Marino is more than its capital (also named San Marino), but most tourists will choose to visit the capital as it contains most of the history of the ancient city-state.

You can, of course, spend multiple days there. But you can also get through the major destinations in only one day!

A Bit Of History (Also Known As, Why You Should Care?)

San Marino is currently the fifth smallest country in the world and has a claim to being the oldest country in the world, if you’re going by self-sovereignty. Like Vatican City, it is also completely landlocked by Italy, but their people will be sure to tell you that they are NOT Italian, they are Sammarinese. But yes, they do speak Italian.

The story goes that a stonemason, Saint Marinus, helped found the country in 301 AD after fleeing the Diocletianic Persecution and building a monastic community on the slopes of Monte Titano. During its history, the country has been occupied by a Borgia, a Cardinal, and was almost invaded by Napoleon but they were able to gain his friendship instead of his ire, and he even offered aid to the small country if needed.

Democracy has always been a core component of San Marino. Their constitution, written in 1600, remains the oldest still-used constitution in the world. Their current system of government is rather unique, with two captains regent elected every six months (this idea was taken from the Roman Empire) to be the heads of state. There is also a council with 60 members to help balance power. Elections are open to all adults, and San Marino has shown to be rather progressive in their election choices, with more women in power than most countries around the world, as well as openly disabled and LGBTQ+ members.

A Note – San Marino is NOT a member of the EU, but they do use the Euro nonetheless.

Scaling The Fortresses

The main attraction of San Marino are its three fortresses: The First Tower (Guaita), The Second Tower (Cesta), and the Third Tower (Montale). Just looking at the Towers, you’d think that San Marino MUST have been ruled by kings and queens, but nope – they’re just that stunning (and are on the San Marino flag).

A Note – The Third Tower is closed to the public, but you can still walk to it if you’d like to complete the path.

The First Tower (Guaita – also known as Rocca)

Built in the 11th century, the First Tower was the guard tower for the country (hence it’s name). It was also a prison for many centuries until the 1970s, although it’s said that the prisoners there were there for lesser crimes. Today, you can visit the prison as well as a museum and a chapel. Being the first, and eldest, Tower, it’s also the most famous and produces the most pictures for tourists.

The tower was originally built directly on the mountain without a foundation and, as a result, needed to be reinforced multiple times. However, it still remains one of the oldest tower fortresses in all of Italy.

To access this amazing view, you need to climb. Yes, it’s a well-built staircase. Yes, it’s still dangerous and a bit scary. If you’re tall, you’ll practically be hugging the ladder to your chest so you can avoid hitting your head.

But it’s worth it.

To get to the other towers, you need to follow the Passo delle Streghe – also known as, The Witches Pass or Passage of the Witches. If that sounds ominous, then good, it was probably meant to. That, or inspire wonder.

The legend (seemingly dating back to the Middle Ages) is that witches, or young girls, would gather between the Towers on this pass. Some say that they would sing and dance, others that they lit bonfires and performed spells, and even some tales say that black cats would wait in the wings to capture their souls. Either way, this explains San Marino’s clear interest in fairytales, oddities, and the occult.

The Second Tower (Cesta – also known as Fratta)

Built in the 13th century, the Second Tower hosted the guards/army, making it mainly a defensive tower similarly to the First Tower. Like the other towers, it was renovated multiple times but in the case of the Second Tower, it was used much less than the other two and time slowly eroded it away until it needed to be fully renovated in the 20th century before it completely fell to ruin. The Second Tower is also unique in that it’s believed to be the only tower built on the foundation of a previous Roman fort.

The main attraction of the Second Tower is the Museum of Ancient Arms, where you’ll see weapons not just from San Marino, but from all over the world. Going through this exhibit, and then walking along the cobblestone streets and seeing dozens of weapons shops, you’ll start to wonder why San Marino seems to have an obsession with weapons?

In either case, the museum IS very interesting, and the Second Tower provides a beautiful view of the First Tower.

The Third Tower (Montale)

This tower was built in the 14th century as a defensive tower and, as said before, cannot be visited by tourists. It is the smallest tower and is located the furthest away, but also had the best view of the surrounding land and was therefore the most strategically important. It also has a prison located deep below it’s walls.

Time To Eat

Also known as – it sure LOOKS like Italian food… but we’re not going to say that out loud.

But, yes, much of the food offered is going to be similar to Italian food. Luckily, that means it’s just as delicious! San Marino also takes specific interest in their cheese and wine – specifically Sangiovese wine. But really, it’s all about HOW you eat in San Marino.

First, you need to make sure you have two things – a view, and a willingness to be full (and perhaps drunk). Then, you need to show genuine interest in the food. Tourists aren’t exactly uncommon in San Marino, but many see the country as merely an extension of Italy. Sure, the food is not all that different to Italian food, but you don’t need to say that. Show interest in the food, ask questions when it feels right, and if you’re offered a shot of Mistra, take it (responsibly, of course).

Shop ‘Till You Drop / What’s With All The Guns?

There are two main places to shop in San Marino: the Old Town, and the Outlets.

The Old Town will offer everything from food to knickknacks to high-end clothes, to… guns? The small country is said to have some of the most lax gun laws in Europe and boy, is this obvious with the multiple shops dotting the streets showing off all types of firearms and other weapons. Is a bit jarring and odd? Yup, even for an American. Luckily, these weapons aren’t allowed to leave the perimeters of San Marino.

Surprisingly (or perhaps, unsurprisingly since the people clearly seem to love knights, swords, and witches so much), there’s also quite a few shops dedicated to nerd/fan culture. Want some Disney ornaments or perhaps a Harry Potter clock? You’ll find it here.

The Outlets, on the border of the country, is more of a modern outdoor mall/shopping plaza. The shop options lean more high-end, but there’s a variety to choose from, as well as bakeries, restaurants, and “kid” areas. If you want food souvenirs that feel slightly more authentic, this is where to get them (cheese, bread, wine, etc). Or, if you’re looking for luxury brands at (more) affordable prices, this is the place!

A Note – A great souvenir from San Marino is to get your passport stamped at the Tourism Office! A stamp isn’t required to enter San Marino, so if you want one, you’ll have to go seek it out.

Where To Go From Here?

San Marino is accessible by car, bus, and cable-car and is closest to the larger Italian towns of Bologna and Florence, and the smaller towns of Rimini, Cesena, and Pesaro.

If you’re looking for seaside fun, go for Pesaro and Rimini. If you’re looking for more mountains and wine, head west to the Tuscany region and Florence. To the north is Venice, and if you head farther south to the town of Ancona, you’ll find ferries to Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and other parts of Italy.

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Any questions? Comment below or contact me!