The neo-Gothic Palazzo Pubblico overlooks Piazza della Libertà and is San Marino's official seat of government. Visitors can watch a small video about the…
San Marino
Of Earth's 196 independent countries, San Marino is the fifth smallest and – arguably – the most curious. How it exists at all is something of an enigma. A sole survivor of Italy's once powerful city-state network, this landlocked micronation clung on long after the more powerful kingdoms of Genoa and Venice folded. And still it endures, secure in its status as the world's oldest surviving sovereign state and its oldest republic (since AD 301). San Marino also enjoys one of the planet's highest GDP per capita, but some say it retains a curious absence of heart and soul.
Measuring 61 sq km, the country is larger than many outsiders imagine, being made up of nine municipalities each hosting its own settlement. The largest 'town' is Dogana (on the bus route from Italy), a place 99.9% of the two million annual visitors skip en transit to its Unesco-listed capital, Città di San Marino.
Explore San Marino
- PPalazzo Pubblico
The neo-Gothic Palazzo Pubblico overlooks Piazza della Libertà and is San Marino's official seat of government. Visitors can watch a small video about the…
- TTorre Cesta
Dominating the skyline and offering superb views towards Rimini and the coast, the Cesta castle dates from the 13th century and sits atop 750m Monte…
- MMuseo di Stato
San Marino's best museum by far is the well laid out if disjointed state museum, which displays art, history, furniture and cultural objects.
- CChanging of the Guard
One of Città di San Marino's summer highlights is the changing of the guard in Piazza della Libertà, which takes place several times daily between late…
- TTorre Guaita
The oldest and largest of San Marino's castles, Torre Guaita dates from the 11th century. It was still being used as a prison as recently as 1975.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout San Marino.
See
Palazzo Pubblico
The neo-Gothic Palazzo Pubblico overlooks Piazza della Libertà and is San Marino's official seat of government. Visitors can watch a small video about the…
See
Torre Cesta
Dominating the skyline and offering superb views towards Rimini and the coast, the Cesta castle dates from the 13th century and sits atop 750m Monte…
See
Museo di Stato
San Marino's best museum by far is the well laid out if disjointed state museum, which displays art, history, furniture and cultural objects.
See
Changing of the Guard
One of Città di San Marino's summer highlights is the changing of the guard in Piazza della Libertà, which takes place several times daily between late…
See
Torre Guaita
The oldest and largest of San Marino's castles, Torre Guaita dates from the 11th century. It was still being used as a prison as recently as 1975.
Guidebooks
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