San Marino Things To Do

San Marino Things To Do

The city of San Marino offers something for everyone. Vacationers will find historical sites to explore, amazing shopping deals, unique museums, and breathtaking vistas wherever you glance.

Historical Sites

Don’t miss the castle, in all its glory, located on Mount Titano. Highlights include the walls below Guaita Tower which you can walk along. They connect the fortifications and provide a lovely view. Explore the 11th century Guaita Tower which was used as a prison until 1970. It also features a bright flower garden. Cesta Tower stands on the highest point of the mountain. Erected in the 13th century, it now houses a museum. Explore the fortress. You can only view the 16th century Montale Tower from outside. It is not open to the public.

While on Mount Titano, take in the views. Stormy days provide more dramatic views from the summit of La Rocca.

Catch the changing of the guard ceremony that occurs about every half hour during business hours in the months from April to September. The Guardia di Rocca is San Marino’s national guard and also conduct daily law enforcement duties.

The train livery just outside the city provides a colorful experience. Each carriage is painted in the national colors of blue and white. You can explore older trains, too. Take a ride to Borgo Maggiore along the 1.5 km aerial tramway connecting the cities.

Visit its fourth century church, the Basilica di San Marino and the current church in use, erected in 1838. Adjacent to it sits Chiesa di San Pietro built in 600 AD, and the altar, built in 1689.

Its government buildings also offer admirable history and architecture. See the Palazzo pubblico, the town hall and government building.

Shopping

Prices in San Marino beat Europe’s other great deals, even Italy’s prices on fashions. You’ll avoid Italy’s hefty 20 percent IVA (sales tax). Pick up leather wallets and hand bags at low prices. Alcohol, especially whisky, also costs little here.

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Museums

San Marino boasts museums of the weird. Rather than art or science, it devotes its museums to torture and curiosities. The Martel Museum also goes by the name Museo della Tortura. This museum in the city’s center explores the history and development of torture. Its collection features more than 100 instruments of torture and information on torture techniques, many from the 16th and 17th centuries. If you’ve ever wondered how a rack works, visit here. Also, explore the Museum of Curiosities, replete with the unique and odd items.

You’ll find the Museum of Ancient Arms located inside the Cesta Tower. It features historical armours and weapons. Within this museum you will be able to see a rich armoury collection spanning from 1956 to 1972. In addition to the latter, there are four rooms that all host a different exhibition displays. Historical items such as bills, fuse firearms, flintlock, wheel-lock, and breech-loading arms from the 19^th century. History scholars will absolutely love exploring this museum. Feel free to bring your camera and take a few photos at your discretion.

Tourist Shops

When tourists visit San Marino one thing is for certain, you will be leaving with some type of souvenir. With tourists being a great portion of San Marino’s national income, they take the items they sell very seriously. You will be able to purchase high quality local items including (but not limited to) clothing apparel, wooden clocks, stunning watches, and home décor.

You may want to prepare to have enough space in your luggage or add another baggage to take home. When you are exploring tourist shops, the items will be pretty inexpensive for the most part. You do not have to worry about spending too much money at once.

Historical Centre

The City Center is home to the Historical Centre that spans 55 hectares. You will be able to view this part of the city that still has remnants from the 13^th century. The city maintains the bastions, walls, fortified towers, and gates. As one of the oldest cities in Europe, you will be in awe of how much knowledge you will be able to learn here.

You may hear locals refer to San Marino City as Citta di San Marino from time to time. San Marino is a city located on top of Mount Titano. You will have an amazing view of the city especially during sunset. If you are with a significant other, this will be a romantic setting that you two will remember forever.

 

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in San Marino.