A trip to San Marino

There's no other place on Earth like this masterpiece of nature and art, called San Marino. It is located in Central Italy and has long traditions a republic. San Marino is not a member of the European Union but you can use euro as currency. The euro coins minted in the country are rare and collectors like to take some of them home. Travelling to San Marino is very easy and requires no special attention. The Italian city of Rimini is very close and the small country is best accessible from here. The climate is dominantly Mediterranean so the weather won’t be a problem. San Marino has public transport but the country is so small that it is possible to see all of it by bike. The official language is Italian.

Sights in San Marino

The most popular sight in the country is Monte Titano, the highest point of San Marino. A funicular train takes you up to the peak with wonderful panorama on the way up. The forts on top of the peak are the symbols of the country. Walk along the stone walls to enjoy the panorama. Fort Rocca has been rebuilt and redesigned many times but it still has its original shape. The fort is more than a thousand years old. Inside Fort Cesta a museum is open and waiting for visitors. The third tower was designed to keep an eye on nearby cities.

The old town of San Marino is beyond all imagination. Small streets run around the city and reaching the most beautiful church of the country, the St. Francis, with a connecting cloister. Inside the Valloni Palace you can find the National Museum and the Archives, which is home to a unique stamp, coin and painting collection. The center of the city is the Piazza della Libertá. It is surrounded by historic buildings with a statue of a lady representing liberty in the center.

Sit down and enjoy a torta di tre montit, a famous specialty of San Marino, which is a chocolate covered pastry. Italian dishes can be found here with piadina being the best local food. They make great bean soup in San Marino especially in the winter. Try some of the best wines of the region to accompany your meal. Anise liquors and sweets made with it are very delicious.

One side of the square is open and overlooks Monte Titano. The Palazzo Mercuri and the Palazzo del Governo are also beautiful buildings of San Marino. The later has been the center of local administration from the 14th century. This part of the town has a distinct medieval atmosphere. In the San Marino Basilica stands the tomb of Saint Martinus, the founder of the city. Many buildings are wonderful works of art and tradition. There are many luxurious shops offering low prices. If you’re looking for international brands and local products head for the new town. Prices are low here because in San Marino you don’t have to pay additional taxes after purchases. You can leave the city through the old gates like they did in the past. If you’re bored of the crowded cities of Italy try something different in San Marino.