San Marino city is the capital of the Republic of San Marino. This is the third smallest state in Europe after the Vatican and Monaco. San Marino is an enclave surrounded by Italy and located on the northeastern part of the Italian peninsula. The city is perched on Mount Titano – a part of the Apennine mountain ranges – at an average elevation of 700 meters. The city was founded in 301 by a stonecutter named Marinus of Arba. It is the oldest sovereign state of the world that survives to this day. San Marino attracts thousands of tourists every year because of its scenic beauty, shopping, art, philately, museums and events. It covers an area of 7.09 sq km and has an approximate population of 4,500 (in 2012).
Geography :
Located only 15 kms away from the Romagna Riviera in Italy, San Marino is situated on the Apennine Mountains. The landscape is dominated by the three jutting peaks of Mount Titano that has an elevation of 749 meters above the sea level. The surrounding country is hilly. The lowest point of the country is 55 kms above the sea level. Small streams arise in the hills and flow towards the Adriatic Sea. These streams are Marano and Marecchia, which are approximately 20 kms long.
San Marino enjoys Mediterranean type of climate with dry warm summers and moist cool winters. This has encouraged the growth of trees like olive, pine, fir, oak, beech, poplar and elm.
How to reach (transport) :
The best way to reach San Marino is by road. A drive to the city can be most satisfying to enjoy its breathtaking sights. The nearest airport is located at Rimini in Italy, which is 27 kms away. Apart from this, there are other airports at Bologna, Ancona, Roma, and Milano. There is a heliport in San Marino but tourists mostly fly in at the Rimini international airport. The nearest railway station is also situated in Rimini.
Once you have arrived in Rimini, the best way to go to San Marino is by availing the bus service that plies all around the year on the Rimini-San Marino highway. There is no border control and passports are not required. In summer months, direct buses also ply between San Marino and Tripoli.
However, note that the city of San Marino is not located on the Rimini-San Marino highway. It is located at an altitude and the approach is steep. Most of the streets of the city are cobbled highways. So, it is best explored on foot as motorized transport is not allowed in most part of the city.
When to visit :
San Marino can be visited at any time of the year, though winters tend to be quite chilly.
Culture (Fairs and Festivals) and Traditions :
San Marino has invested heavily in its culture. The people are friendly and tourists are welcome. The country takes huge pride in its high quality public school system, music conservatory, national library and its growing university. Four theaters are used for various events and conferences.
A number of events and festivals are celebrated in the city state throughout the year. These are as follows:
- Medieval days are celebrated for five days in the second half of July. The city is transformed into a medieval village with artisans, fortunetellers, actors, courtesans, crossbowmen, flag wavers roaming the streets. The highlights of the event are costumed parades, the palio of the crossbowmen and the flag waving.
- The ethnological music festival is celebrated for a week in July when a number of traditional music groups from all over the world meet to celebrate their indigenous music.
- The founding of the republic is celebrated on 3rd September with religious services, crossbow contests, flag waving, military concert, bingo and fireworks.
- A month-long celebration from 1st December to 6th January denotes the Christmas festivities. Symbolic illumination, handicrafts and entertainment for children are the highlights of this festival.
Points of interest (places to visit) :
The most interesting thing to see in San Marino is probably the colorful streets filled with surprises and eye-catching scenery. Some of the monuments and other points of interest are:
- The three towers of San Marino are Rocca Guaita, Rocca Cesta and Montale. The third cannot be visited, but you should go to the other two.
- Monastery of Santa Chiara, church of San Francesco and the church of San Quirino are other sights.
- The State museum of San Marino is the principal museum of the city and contains excellent example of art and historical exhibits.
Accommodation :
You cannot enjoy an ideal holiday without a great place to stay and there are beautiful hotels in San Marino for tourists of every category. These range from 4-star hotels like Hotel Ristorante Cesare and Vintage, 3-star hotels like Rossa and Joli, to Bella Vista – a 2-star hotel, and Hotel Montana (1-star). Several bed and breakfasts are scattered throughout the city.