Europe is full of surprises! It offers a wide range of experiences, like discovering the world's smallest republic, landlocked in the north-central part of the Italian peninsula, a stone's throw from the Adriatic Sea and the city of Rimini. La Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino, as it's known to locals, has a rich history, beautiful architecture and unspoilt natural surroundings. Built into the mountainside, perched on the rock of Mount Titano, the micro-State of San Marino is definitely worth getting to know, away from mass tourism. The discovery of the eponymous capital and its half-Renaissance, half-medieval heritage, the views over the open countryside and the sea below, the nature activities on offer and the moments spent dining out on the local gastronomy are just some of the reasons to take the road that leads to this little wonder of the Old Continent.
1. An open-air museum classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
San Marino, the world's smallest republic, boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Mount Titano and the historic centers of San Marino and Borgo Maggiore. Its mountainside location has enabled it to preserve its authenticity and remain untouched by the urban transformations that have taken place since the start of the industrial era. The first must-see monument is the neo-Gothic Palazzo Pubblico, restored between 1994 and 1996 under the direction of Gae Aulenti. A key location that bears witness to the republic's rich history, with richly decorated rooms such as the Council Chamber where the government sits.
The neoclassical Basilica del Santo, with its radiant porch and eight Corinthian columns, is a real eye-catcher. It was built on the foundations of a former Romanesque church.
What to do in San Marino? Stroll through theNational Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art! Located in the Logge dei Volontari, this sublime building was constructed in the late 1930s. Recently renovated, the collection features works of art dating from thepost-World War II period to the 1970s.
Finally, it's impossible to stay in San Marino without taking the time to see the republic's three towers. Guaita, Cesta and Montale are three ancient defensive towers built between the 11th and 14th centuries. They are a medieval treasure both in terms of their architecture and their location on the mountainside.
2. Discover unsuspected places
San Marino never fails to surprise travellers! One of the first experiences is to take the cable car, which quickly links Borgo Maggiore to the center of the capital. With a height difference of 200 m, the views are breathtaking. Once there, the Passo delle Streghe (Witches' Path) gives you the feeling of walking along a Chinese wall. Located between the Guaita and Cesta towers, it offers splendid panoramic views of the Adriatic coast.
Another unusual place to discover is the Cava dei Balestrieri (Crossbowmen's Quarry). This is where the stone for the Palazzo Pubblico was quarried in the 19th century. Today, the site is used is used as a training ground by the San Marino Federation of Crossbowmen. Crossbow is the national sport and has been practiced under the same conditions since the Middle Ages. Many national and international crossbow tournaments take place here, as well as cultural and festive events (concerts, exhibitions or summer festivals). During a visit to San Marino in summer, you can also take part in a folkloric moment by attending the changing of the guard in front of the Palazzo Pubblico. San Marino may be a neutral state and is home to one of the world's smallest military corps, but the ceremony performed by the soldiers every day during the summer is a source of pride for the locals!
3. Sports and tourism in the heart of nature
Perched on Mount Titano, San Marino shines not only for its architecture, but also for the beauty of its natural spaces. Once perched atop the 739 m-high rocky peak, it's hard not to marvel at the vast expanse of nature on offer Lovers of panoramic waters are in for a treat. San Marino also boasts 61 km2 of trails to explore on foot or by bike. All you have to do is take the time to contemplate the local flora and fauna.
The world's smallest republic boasts a wide variety of landscapes, including scrubland, forests, vineyards, meadows and rocky landscapes. An unspoilt nature that lends itself to a wide range of outdoor activities. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy trekking, cycling, swimming, mountaineering and archery!
4. Discover local know-how
When vacationing in San Marino, it's essential to take the time to learn about local practices and know-how. Here, manual labor is a philosophy, an art of living, and every detail is meticulously cared for. Strolling through the narrow streets, you can indulge yourself with summer tunics, jewelry to embellish outfits or traditional pottery to enhance interiors. Collectors and lovers of fine objects will also find something to satisfy their tastes, with rare stamps or precious coins from the Republic of San Marino, for example. Head for the Office national de philatélie et de numismatique. The discovery of traditions also takes place in the restaurants. In San Marino, nature's rhythms are respected, and the finest produce is used to prepare top-quality cuisine.
5. A thousand and one gastronomic flavours
San Marino's gastronomy is influenced by the neighbouring regions of Emilia-Romagna and Marche. Here, agricultural and gastronomic traditions are centuries old and authentic. The "Consorzio Terra di San Marino" quality label is dedicated to preserving them. While the cuisine is inspired by ancestral traditions, it is also constantly renewed to satisfy the most discerning gourmets. A healthy cuisine that honors the products of the land and the important rural heritage of this small republic.
Among the must-try recipes are strozzapreti, a traditional San Marino pasta, piadina, a typical local pancake, and of course bustrengo, a rice-based dessert. Meats, cheeses, olive oil, milk and honey are other local products used to prepare dishes. These are accompanied by "Birrificio Abusivo", a local beer, or a glass of one of the "Cantina di San Marino" wines, produced of course in the surrounding vineyards. To be enjoyed, for example, in Piazza della Libertà, sublimated by the light of the setting sun at the end of the day.
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