Buzz
San Marino lies nestled in Italy, covering a mere 61 km², yet it captivates travelers with its perched towers against rocky cliffs, exuding both ancient charm and grandeur, alluring and captivating.
Not Vatican, Italy still cradles another nation within it.
San Marino isn't a familiar name to those outside Europe. This pint-sized country gained recognition through Formula 1 and Moto GP races held in Italy under the San Marino name. However, its defiant three towers atop Mount Titano are impossible to overlook for adventurous souls.
Situated in northeastern Italy, San Marino is entirely enveloped by the boot-shaped nation. As one of the world's smallest countries, spanning only 61 km², San Marino's daily life is closely intertwined with its 'giant neighbor.' Italy manages its defense, essential goods are imported, and all transportation routes pass through this land. To reach San Marino, most tourists depart from the Italian seaside city of Rimini, just an hour away by bus.
Despite being divided into small units, San Marino is predominantly known for its capital, bearing the same name (Italian: Città di San Marino). While not large or an economic hub, this city possesses alluring attractions for visitors.
Among them, the trio of ancient towers—Guaita, Cesta, and Montale—stands from west to east on Mount Titano. Perched atop the country's highest points, these towers offer breathtaking views, constructed in the 11th, 13th, and 14th centuries to shield the city from the Malatesta family's attacks from Rimini. The photo captures the scene inside Guaita tower.
Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a charming, petite tower, unlike the towering stone blocks commonly seen in Central and Western Europe. Originally a watchtower, Guaita also served as a prison until the 1970s. The medieval beauty is evident with its golden-tinged slanting stone walls. The two-tiered tower with a narrow pathway enveloping a spacious garden exudes tranquility, contrary to its defensive history. The photo showcases Guaita tower as seen from Cesta tower, a 'classic' angle for photographers.
At the entrance stands the small Saint Barbara church. A corner of the courtyard features an adorable bell tower rising above the city walls. Opposite it is the main tower, providing visitors with a clear view of Cesta tower. Oddly, the sight seems to transport you to a mountain summit with lush greenery, but in reality, it's only a few hundred meters away.
The narrow streets here are just enough for pedestrians, with some winding paths and characteristic European cobblestone, leading tourists to the western outskirts of the city where Guaita tower stands. The city center of San Marino is very compact, not suitable for cars.
The path from Guaita to Cesta is named the 'Witch's Way.' Not haunted by steep inclines along the mountainside, it's eerie due to the mesmerizing views of both towers and the valley below.
The route to Cesta is surrounded by lush greenery. Cesta sits atop the highest point of Mount Titano, at an elevation of 756 meters. At first glance, Cesta may not differ much from Guaita, with a smaller courtyard and a five-sided design. However, crossing the wooden door, the weaponry museum will leave you in awe. Though not large, the museum displays various European armor, swords, shields, and guns spanning centuries.
Occupying about 2 levels of the tower, the museum allows visitors to ascend via a single-person wooden staircase. At the tower's peak, you'll have a panoramic view of the country of San Marino. Mountain ranges and trees embrace the houses along a few main roads. The image captures the view of Cesta tower from Guaita tower.
From the top of Cesta, one can clearly see Guaita in the iconic image found on every San Marino postcard. Guaita stands like a fairytale castle, commanding its mountaintop and challenging every gaze from the rural area hundreds of meters below. Thus, Cesta and Guaita are like 'two siblings,' standing on the two peaks of the country, gazing at each other.
Leaving Cesta, you'll have to venture further east, descending steep stairs near the edge of the forest to reach Montale, the third tower. This location doesn't allow visitors inside. Unlike the other two towers, Montale is more reserved, only about 4m² in width and 7m in height, not part of any castle-like structure. Large stones are strategically placed around the base of the tower, originally intended as defensive walls.
The three main towers are must-visit attractions in San Marino. With a combined ticket priced around 10.5 euros, visitors can explore the two large towers along with the State Museum, St. Francis Museum, and the National Palace. Don't forget you can return the ticket after your visit and get a refund of 1.5 euros.
After leaving the three towers, visitors can leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of the central Old Town of San Marino. In just one afternoon, you can explore souvenir shops and cafes lining the steep slopes. An interesting aspect is the abundance of souvenir shops selling weapons, showcasing guns, swords, and daggers. On the other hand, being close to Italy's Misano MotoGP race track, the city has many stores selling MotoGP memorabilia, especially associated with the legendary racer Valentino Rossi. The photo features the palace, also serving as the City Hall of San Marino.
There are many other places worth visiting in the country of San Marino. You'll be impressed by the friendly demeanor of the service staff here, the sentinel soldiers guarding the palace, stern yet endearing.
The optimal way to reach San Marino is by taking a bus from the city of Rimini in Italy. With a round-trip ticket costing around 10 euros, this bus route departs from the central train station in Rimini and concludes at the San Marino bus parking lot. Each journey is approximately an hour apart, and it's advisable to arrive early to avoid a 45-minute wait. If you have the time, consider spending a day enjoying Rimini's beach and another day exploring San Marino.
Source: Hoai Sa/Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourJanuary 26, 2017
