Our journey to San Marino has started at 8:00am. It took us for 35 min to walk from our Airbnb to Hotel Napoleon to catch a bus to San Marino. We booked the tickets online for €7 per person with Boneli Bus. Just make sure to switch to English version, not to make the mistake like I did! I will tell you about that later. Also, if you are not sure of return time, just book it later as some drivers are quite strict on the time of the ticket. You will find timetables in their website too.
Table of Contents
The Bus Ride to San Marino
The queue was huge when we arrived to the bus stop. It was still 5 min to departure time and the bus filled up so quickly that were was no space. Some people chose to stand that 40-45 min journey. I thought we will wait for the next bus. Luckily, the driver said that there is another coming straight away after this one leaves. And it did! We’ve got the seat on the right side of the bus. There was still plenty of empty seats. However, I do recommend sitting on the left side as that way you can actually have a better view of San Marino when going up.
The bus was late to leave, but only by 5 min, which is not bad at all. If we would have missed the bus, the next one was like in 1.5 h. The journey took us around 40-45 min and they let us out next to a parking lot. The bust stop is just few steps further. I was so happy as it was one of the best days that week – very sunny and quite warm. The surrounding areas of San Marino was very clearly visible.
Legend of San Marino
The foundation of the Republic of San Marino rests upon a compelling legend, centering around its namesake, Saint Marinus. The story begins in the 4th century AD, during the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian, a period of severe Christian persecution. Marinus, a stonemason by trade, originated from the island of Rab in Dalmatia (modern-day Croatia). He arrived in Rimini, on the Italian coast, to work on its reconstruction after a major fire.
As Christian persecution intensified, Marinus sought refuge from religious oppression. He fled to the nearby Monte Titano, a rugged and isolated mountain, seeking solitude and spiritual peace. There, he lived as a hermit, dedicating his life to prayer and manual labor. His piety and peaceful nature attracted followers, who came to learn from him and seek his guidance.
San Marinus and the Bear
The most famous part of his legend involves a bear. According to the tale, Marinus’s faithful donkey was devoured by a ferocious bear. Instead of reacting with fear or anger, Marinus calmly approached the wild animal and commanded it, in the name of God, to take the donkey’s place in his daily work of carrying stone. The bear, miraculously, became submissive and served him faithfully. This act symbolizes the triumph of spiritual authority over brute force and the harmonious relationship between man and nature.
Upon his death, Marinus famously uttered the words, “Relinquo vos liberos ab utroque homine” (“I leave you free from both men”). This phrase is interpreted as meaning free from the authority of both the Emperor and the Pope, laying the foundation for San Marino’s perpetual independence. His followers formed a community, which grew into the monastery and eventually the independent republic that stands today, making the legend of Saint Marinus intrinsically linked to San Marino’s enduring sovereignty and its identity as the world’s oldest republic
San Marino – The Oldest Independent Country in the World
San Marino sits high in the mountains at almost 750m, surrounded by Italy. It is indeed the oldest independent country in the world. Saint Marinus founded it in 301 AD. He was a stonemason escaping religious trouble. San Marino’s long freedom shows its smart choices and good luck.
How did this small country avoid being taken over by Italy? Its mountainous land helped a lot. Mount Titano acted as a natural fort. This tough land made invasion hard for bigger powers. Conquering such a small, poor area wasn’t worth the effort.
San Marino also chose to be neutral. It focused on peace, not fighting. This policy earned it respect. Even Napoleon admired the small republic. He offered to expand its land. San Marino refused, fearing it would become a target.
During Italy’s unification in the 1800s, San Marino was very clever. It offered safety to revolutionaries, like Giuseppe Garibaldi. He was a national hero. Italy formed, and Garibaldi remembered San Marino’s help. The new Kingdom of Italy respected San Marino’s independence. Annexing the small, friendly nation would have gained little. Respecting its freedom earned Italy international goodwill.
San Marino’s Economy – From Stone Quarrying to Tourism
In older times, the main income for San Marino revolved around stone quarrying from Mount Titano. This was a primary commercial activity for centuries, a testament to the region’s geological resources. Additionally, traditional agriculture played a significant role, with activities like crop farming (wheat, grapes, barley), sheep farming, and other livestock. The limited size of the nation meant its economy was largely localised and reliant on these basic industries.
San Marino’s economy today thrives on its services sector, which makes up well over half of its GDP. Tourism is a huge driver, with millions visiting its historic sites and duty-free shops, supporting hotels, restaurants, and retail. Its strong banking, insurance and financial services also contribute significantly, drawing clients with favourable regulations. The second largest contributor is manufacturing, producing a diverse range of goods like electronics, ceramics, clothing, and paints, mostly for export to Italy.
The old town of San Marino is great place to buy sword, katana blade and firearm props for your play or just as a decoration on the wall. The abundance of those kind of shops is really noticeable. Additionally, the unique sale of collectible postage stamps and coins provides a steady, niche income stream. While historically reliant on stone quarrying and agriculture, these now play a very minor role. The GDP of San Marino in 2023 was 1.8 billion USD and in 2024 the estimate is around 2 billion USD.
San Marino Euro Coins
I was trying to find some San Marino Euro coins while visiting. That turned out to be a challenge. Unless you are willing to pay 10 times or more of the coin value. The vendors keep San Marino issue coins, package them and sell as souvenirs to the tourists. 20 cent coin was sold for €2. Higher value coins like €1 and €2 were sold for €3 or €5. I bought some of those from vendors, but then came up with a plan to buy some souvenirs and try to get some coins. I purchased some silver jewlery and a swarofski bracelet for really good price and paying by cash I asked around if they have any San Marino coins. Some vendors wanted to sell the same packaged coins for higher price, but two of them were very friendly and agreed to exchange the coins free of charge.
Basilica of Saint Marinus
The Basilica of Saint Marinus stands as a majestic symbol in San Marino, a truly important church dedicated to the republic’s founder and patron saint. You see its grand facade, featuring eight tall Corinthian columns, a clear sign of its Neoclassical style. This beautiful building replaced an older church from the 7th century, though some regret losing that ancient structure.
Inside, the basilica holds a peaceful atmosphere across its three naves. You find seven altars and a notable 17th-century throne used by the Captains Regent, San Marino’s heads of state. Most importantly, the basilica preserves the relics of Saint Marinus himself, including his bones in an urn beneath the main altar and a silver bust holding the upper part of his skull. An interesting fact: the basilica’s bell tower houses seven bells, each representing one of San Marino’s seven municipalities. This landmark also appears on San Marino’s 10-cent euro coin, marking its significance.
The square infront of the basilica was quite crowded and that’s off season! I can imagine how many people are there during the peak season.
The time we when we went inside of the basilica it was ongoing mass, but we were still allowed to enter in the back of the basilica. I took few pictures respectfully and the lady overwatching the crowds didn’t say anything.
Public Palace of the Republic of San Marino
The Public Palace of the Republic of San Marino stands proudly in the capital city, San Marino in Piazza della Libertà . This imposing building serves as the official government house, hosting key state offices. The parliament convenes here, holding important legislative sessions. Dignitaries visit this historical site, attending official ceremonies.
Architect Francesco Azzurri designed the original structure, incorporating Neo-Gothic elements. Local stone forms its sturdy walls, giving it a timeless appearance. Renovations later restored parts of the building, preserving its architectural integrity. A large clock adorns its facade, marking the passage of time for the city below.
Statue of Liberty
The statue standing in the Piazza della Libertà is the Statue of Liberty, or in Italian, the Statua della Libertà . While sharing a name with its more famous counterpart in New York, San Marino’s statue possesses its own unique history and significance.
This elegant white marble statue depicts a female figure wearing a crown adorned with three towers, symbolizing the three fortresses of San Marino (Guaita, Cesta, and Montale). Her right arm is extended forward, holding a flag, representing the Republic’s perpetual independence and freedom. The left arm holds a scroll, often interpreted as the scrolls of law or the constitution, underscoring the nation’s commitment to justice and democratic principles.
The Statue of Liberty was donated to the Republic of San Marino by Countess Otilia Heyroth Wagener of Berlin in 1876. She commissioned the work from the Italian sculptor Stefano Galletti, who carved the figure from Carrara marble. It was officially inaugurated in 1876 and has since become one of the most recognizable symbols of San Marino, standing directly in front of the Public Palace.
Inside of Public Palace of the Republic of San Marino
The palace truly unfolds its historical and political significance as you step inside. A grand stone staircase immediately greets visitors in the atrium, leading up to the main floors. The walls of this entrance hall display a rich collection of trophies, coats of arms, and inscriptions, honoring illustrious figures who shaped the nation’s history. You can also spot a marble bust of the architect, Francesco Azzurri, commemorating his design. The bust was created by the sculptor Giulio Tadolini in 1894
Coat of Arms
Once you enter the palace emblem prominently displayed throughout San Marino’s Public Palace, notably on its facade and within the Council Chamber, is the Coat of Arms of the Republic. This emblem is rich with symbolism, encapsulating the core values and long history of the world’s oldest republic.
At its heart lies a blue shield, which features three green mountains topped by three silver towers. These towers – Guaita, Cesta, and Montale – directly represent the historic fortresses perched on Mount Titano, powerfully symbolizing San Marino’s enduring liberty and defense. Each tower often includes a silver ostrich feather acting as a weather vane, further signifying freedom. Beneath the shield, a silver ribbon carries the Latin motto “LIBERTAS” (Freedom). This motto is central to San Marino’s identity, reflecting its centuries-old independence and its historical role as a haven for those seeking refuge. It’s thought to reference the legendary words of its founder, Saint Marinus: “I leave you free from both men.”
The shield itself is encircled by a wreath made of two branches: an oak branch on the right, symbolizing the Republic’s stability and strength, and a laurel branch on the left, representing honor and defense. These branches intertwine at the base, framing the central shield. Finally, the entire coat of arms is crowned by a closed crown. Importantly, in San Marino, this crown isn’t a sign of monarchy but rather signifies the Republic’s absolute sovereignty and independence. Far from being mere decoration, this emblem vividly tells the story of San Marino’s resilience and its foundational principles.
Capitoline Wolf
Also next to the Coat of Arms there is Capitoline Wolf (Lupa Capitolina) paiting, suckling the twin brothers Romulus and Remus. This imagery is directly associated with the founding myth of Rome. The wolf stands protectively over the two infants, who are reaching up towards her. Above them, a flag is held aloft, and below, the Latin inscription reads: “SALVE ROMA CAPVT MVNDI CAPVT ITALIAE,” which translates to “Hail Rome, Head of the World, Head of Italy.”
This painting’s presence in the Public Palace of San Marino is significant. While San Marino proudly asserts its own independent history and foundation by Saint Marinus, it also acknowledges its deep historical and cultural ties to Rome and the broader Italian peninsula. The image of the Capitoline Wolf and the Romulus and Remus myth is a fundamental symbol of Roman civilization and, by extension, the shared ancient heritage that binds various parts of Italy and its surrounding regions, including San Marino.
Council Chamber
Ascending the imposing staircase, you reach the core of San Marino’s governance: the Council Chamber. This significant room houses the sixty members of the Grand and General Council, where they convene for legislative sessions. A striking mural dominates one wall, depicting Saint Marinus, the republic’s founder, surrounded by his people and delivering his famous admonition of “perpetual freedom.”
Guaita Tower – Prima Torre
he Guaita Tower, famously known as the Prima Torre (First Tower), stands as the oldest and most iconic of San Marino’s three fortresses, perched atop Monte Titano. This formidable structure dates back to the 11th century, making it a central piece of the republic’s ancient defenses. Its strategic position offers unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding Apennine mountains and the distant Adriatic Sea, serving both as a lookout and a symbol of resilience.
Historically, Guaita Tower served primarily as a fortress and a prison. Its walls witnessed centuries of conflict and protection for the fledgling republic. Over time, various sections were added and reinforced, adapting it to changing military needs. The tower’s design incorporates robust stone masonry, featuring a pentagonal inner wall and a later, less regular outer wall. A campanile, or bell tower, also adorns the structure, adding to its distinctive silhouette.
You can also climb into the tower, but be prepared for a queue, narrow passage and very steep steps – almost a ladder like! To get you an idea how it looks, the pictures below.
The views from the top are worth the effort and they are really stunning!
Falesia Second Tower
The Cesta Tower, also widely known as the Second Tower or occasionally referred to as the Falesia (Cliff) Second Tower due to its dramatic position, sits on the highest peak of Monte Titano. Erected in the 13th century, this fortress stands on the remains of an ancient Roman fort, making it slightly younger than its counterpart, the Guaita Tower. Its elevated location provided an even more commanding vantage point, allowing San Marino’s defenders to oversee vast expanses of the territory.
Throughout its history, the Cesta Tower played a crucial role in the republic’s defensive system, working in conjunction with Guaita to protect San Marino from invaders. Like Guaita, it also served as a prison for a period. Its design features a more traditional and imposing structure, with strong stone walls that blend naturally with the rugged mountain peak.
The stair cases in this tower were more civilised than in the First one.
The Third Tower
The third tower of San Marino, Montale Tower, is visible from the Cesta Tower (Second Tower), completes the iconic trio of fortresses that crown Monte Titano. Montale stands on the third and lowest peak of the ridge, and while it is the smallest of the three, its strategic importance was undeniable in ancient times.
Historically, Montale Tower served primarily as a lookout point and, uniquely among the three, contained a deep prison known as the “fondo” (bottom), accessible only from above. Its isolated position made it a particularly secure, albeit grim, place of confinement. Unlike Guaita and Cesta, Montale is not open to the public for internal visits, preserving its more secluded and mysterious character.
Its visibility from the Second Tower underscores the integrated defensive system that the Sammarinese developed over centuries. Together, the three towers formed an impregnable line of defense, protecting the liberty of the small republic.
Stamp and Coin Museum
The Stamp and Coin Museum in San Marino offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich philatelic (collection of stamps) and numismatic (collection of coins) history of the world’s oldest republic. Located within the historic center, this specialized museum showcases the unique and often beautiful issues produced by San Marino.
The museum’s primary focus lies on the postage stamps and coins that San Marino has issued since the mid-19th century. Visitors can explore extensive collections that document the republic’s sovereign right to issue its own currency and postal services. Exhibits trace the evolution of these issues, highlighting their artistic designs, historical context, and the stories they tell about San Marino’s culture, important events, and national identity.
Beyond simply displaying items, the museum often provides insights into the printing processes and the significance of these small yet powerful symbols of statehood. For collectors and history enthusiasts alike, it serves as an important institution, demonstrating how these miniature works of art have contributed significantly to San Marino’s economy and its international recognition.
San Marino 50 Lire banknote
This fascinating image below shows a design for a San Marino 50 Lire banknote or a high-value stamp. It features a strong male figure, symbolizing the Republic’s power and resilience. He holds a symbolic staff, reflecting classical authority.
Above him, the Latin phrase “VOX POPULI JUBET” proclaims, “The voice of the people commands,” highlighting San Marino’s democratic principles. The text also identifies it as “REPUBBLICA DI SAN MARINO,” asserting the nation’s identity.
This design captures the artistic style of the early to mid-20th century, showcasing national strength. Its presence in the Stamp and Coin Museum underscores its historical and artistic value, telling a story of the Republic through its currency.
Sculptures of San Marino
There are quite few bronze statues in San Marino. I will leave you to find them yourself, but will give you their names.
Children of Beslan
The “Children of Beslan” statue in San Marino stands as a profoundly moving and poignant memorial, dedicated to the innocent victims of the tragic Beslan school siege that occurred in Russia in September 2004. This horrific event saw hundreds of schoolchildren, parents, and teachers taken hostage by terrorists, resulting in the deaths of over 330 people, including 186 children.
San Marino, a small republic that values peace and human rights, commissioned this monument to express its solidarity with the victims and their families, and to condemn acts of terrorism. The statue depicts a child, in just underwear, conveying vulnerability and innocence, serving as a stark reminder of the brutality of the attack.
Monument of Bartolomeo Borghesi
The Monument of Bartolomeo Borghesi in San Marino honors one of the most distinguished figures in the history of numismatics and archaeology. Bartolomeo Borghesi (1781–1860) was a brilliant scholar and epigraphist, widely regarded as the founder of modern epigraphy and a master of Roman numismatics. Though Italian by birth, he spent a significant portion of his life and career in San Marino, where he established his extensive library and collection, becoming a revered citizen.
“Dancing Girl” statue
The “Dancing Girl” statue in San Marino refers to a specific sculpture that adds to the artistic landscape of the republic’s capital. This work depicts a female figure in a dynamic pose, evoking movement and grace, as if captured mid-dance.
The Rest statue
The sculpture “Il Riposo” (The Rest) by the renowned Italian artist Aligi Sassu captures a moment of profound tranquility and intimacy. This bronze artwork features two figures, one male and one female, seated gracefully on the ground. Their bodies exhibit a relaxed posture, with palms touching the earth and legs subtly intertwining, which conveys a deep connection between the figures and with the natural world.
Monumento alle Vittime del Bombardamento di San Marino
The Monumento alle Vittime del Bombardamento di San Marino stands as a somber and significant memorial in the Republic. This monument commemorates the victims of the devastating Allied bombing of San Marino that occurred on June 26, 1944, during World War II. Despite San Marino’s declared neutrality, the air raid caused significant casualties and destruction in the small, independent state.
Girolamo Gozi Monument
The Girolamo Gozi Monument in San Marino honors a significant figure in the republic’s history. Girolamo Gozi was a prominent statesman and diplomat, serving as a Captain Regent multiple times throughout the 19th century. His monument commemorates his important contributions to San Marino, particularly his efforts in advocating for the republic’s independence and its continued recognition on the international stage.
Statua Grande Nudo Femminile
The “Statua Grande Nudo Femminile” in San Marino is a sculpture by the Italian artist Francesco Messina. This work, as its name suggests, represents a large female nude figure. While specific details and interpretations can vary, Messina’s works often explore the human form with classical elegance and modern sensibility. This particular sculpture is displayed within the historic center of San Marino.
1711 d.F.R.
This work is a marble half-figure of a woman, created by Pazzini in 2013 during the First International Symposium on Sculpture of the Republic of San Marino. The title “1711 d.F.R.” refers to the 1711th year from the founding of the Republic of San Marino, marking a significant historical reference within a contemporary piece. The sculpture reflects a modern artistic sensibility while connecting to the deep historical roots of the republic.
La Fanciulla
The statue below is “La Fanciulla” (The Maiden), or sometimes referred to as “Fanciulla in bronzo” (Bronze Maiden). It was sculpted by Antonio Berti (1904-1990) and is often found in the public gardens near the Public Palace or along the scenic walk overlooking the valleys. The statue depicts a graceful female figure with her arms raised, a gesture that some interpret as reaching towards the sky or offering a salute to the freedom and natural beauty of San Marino.
The Nude statue
The sculpture titled “Nude” by the Italian artist Claudio Olivotto enriches the public art collection of San Marino. This bronze artwork presents a female figure in a notably dynamic and graceful pose, often depicting her with one leg elegantly lifted. This artistic choice creates a vivid sense of motion and balance within the static medium of bronze. Looking from top it looks like this lady is mooning straight from the bushes.
Other Sculptures and Creations
Wondering the streets of San Marino you will spot probably much more of sculptures. One of those is Monumento a Giuseppe Garibaldi. Also when passing in some narrow streets you will spot some art by locals, which is historically insignificant, but definitely adds charm to the town vibe.
Cavallo Rampante (Rearing Horse) was created by the renowned Italian artist Aligi Sassu (1912-2000). The sculpture depicts a powerful horse rearing up, capturing a moment of intense energy and movement. Sassu, known for his vibrant and expressive style, frequently featured horses in his work, using them as symbols of strength, freedom, and passion.
This particular bronze piece is located near the entrance to the historic center of San Marino, close to the parking area.
Borgo de Vino in San Marino – Unexpected Wine Tasting
When we arrived to San Marino, we have noticed a lot of wooden booths, almost like in Christmas market with wine displayed in them. Also, some people were carrying a glass of wine in a bordo colour pouch over their neck. Only, later we saw the stands saying that it is Bordo di Vino in Tour festival.
You can see stands all around explaining how to taste the wine, their regions and legislation. as well as explaining wine colour and taste buds on your tongue.
Wine tasting experience
We payed €18 per person for 6 wine tastings. Also they charged another €2 for the glass. Well it seemed fine for 6 wine glasses. However, the tasting doesn’t mean a glass of wine, rather just enough to cover the bottom of the glass so you can taste it. Somehow, the cashier also forgot to give a second card for the virtual stamps. We found out only when we were doing the first tasting. The guy at the booth was very friendly and he said it is not necessary for the stamp as it was the last day of the festival. We still went back and got the second card. She didn’t even argue and gave another one.
Can you imagine strolling through San Marino’s ancient streets, a glass of fine wine in hand? That’s basically what it was in this “Borgo diVino in Tour” festival.
This special event visits San Marino, transforming its historic centre into a lively celebration of wine, food, and music. You buy a tasting voucher and sample hundreds of wines, including local Sammarinese varieties and many labels from Italy. Beyond the fantastic drinks, you can also enjoy delicious local foods that pair perfectly with the wines. Well we didn’t get any food though. Probably because it was very close to the end of the last day. It was a sunny and I could hear the music in the air – what a vibrant atmosphere! There was even a proper wine tasting with tables downstairs in Cava dei Balestrieri.
Perks of the last day of the festival
We’ve noticed that not all of the booths asked for the stamp, since they were eager to pack and go soon. In addition, some of them refused to open the new bottle of the wines we wanted to taste it as we probably were one the last ones there. However, some sellers were eager to give to taste the variety of wines and sometimes ended up tasting 3-4 different kinds of wine. I must say some of them were very good to my taste, but some were quite heavy. One of the wines was also cooking fortified wine. It wasn’t very delicious though, but the alcohol content in the sunny day, really made the head fuzzy.
We were quickly running out of virtual stamps and I was sure I still had one left. However, when we approach San Marino stand I just found out, that there is none left on my card, but my friend still had one. It turns out one of the vendor took two stamps from my card. I should have checked after each one! The guy in San Marino booth refused to give even a drop to taste. Oh well, I’ve tasted from my friend’s glass, but I didn’t really like it anyway. Not a big loss.
To sum up, it was a great experience. Mainly due to the good weather and atmosphere. My favourite was Lugana white wine. It had a distinctive taste and I loved it! Oh yes, if you like some of the wines you can just purchase a bottle (or a crate) just at the spot with your credit card.
Rush to Get Back from San Marino
After finishing our wine tasting virtual stamps, we decided to go back as it was nearly 5:00 pm and the next bus after that was just at 7:00 pm and it was the last bus! In season, after beginning of June, the buses run more frequently and few hours longer.
Almost running down the cobbled streets of San Marino old town I was trying to book the tickets back. I didn’t bother switching to english website version as there was literally 10 minutes to departure. I selected everything and booked it online. Again €14 fro two people and I was happy I’ve got it. Soon after we were queuing to get into the bus. A guy in front of us wasn’t let in due to the mismatch of time on his ticket. When it was our turn and driver scanned our ticket it beeped and went red. He looked at the ticket and said “This is the ticket from Rimini, not San Marino”. We were denied to board the bus.
Extra two hours in San Marino
My blood was rushing into my head and I felt it twitching. I just wasted €14 and now probably will have to wait for another two hours. I tried franticly to book the correct ticket back again, but the system didn’t allow it as it was too close to departure time. Also, I saw why I made the mistake, since the field in form was first Destination and not the departure. Probably, due to the fact rushing down and some wine tasting I didn’t pay much attention when I was booking.
Instead we went to nearby restaurant and I ordered a steak with fries and half litre of red wine to wash it down. I had enough pizza for the day, so steak was a good option. Was it good? It was alright. Nothing special. To our surprise there was also some Lithuanians working there. Also, the restaurant was quiet busy inside with a massive queue to the toilet!
We’ve boarded our bus at 7:00 pm. The guy in front of us showed his ticket and the driver complained about mismatch again, but he let him in. I was like “The previous driver didn’t let us in as I booked wrong direction”. The driver replied “Non sono cattivo, I would have let you in”. Which basically meant “I am not nasty”. I felt even more angry at myself wasting that €14. Anyway, it was risky to try to use the same ticket on the last bus. Then, I thought I will try to send a message to the service and ask for refund. I just sent the email of booking to their email and a day after they have issued a refund. Happy ending!
Tips
- Buy the combined ticket for the towers and museums for just €11. You will see the most amazing viess from the towers and also can visit multiple places free of charge with this ticket.
- Plan what to see as probably like most of the tourists you wil be there just for one day.
- You can do some hiking as well in San Marino, but again depends how much tim eyou have.
- Don’t spend San Marino issue Euro coins, especially if you get special issue ones. It is a nice souvenir to keep from San Marino.
