San Marino

Tourist Information and Travel Guide

ABOVE: San Marino's fortresses lie more than 2,000 feet (610 m) above the Italian countryside.

San Marino claims to be the oldest republic in the world, with a history of independence dating back to 301 A.D. It's certainly the smallest country you're likely to visit; the total area is just 24 square miles (61 sq. km.), or about 1/3 the size of Washington, D.C.

Some three million visitors descend upon San Marino every year, alighting from tour buses to jam the streets of the old town while shopping for commemorative postage stamps and other souvenirs. In contrast, the resident population is less than 5,000 in the capital and 25,000 for the country as a whole. The stranger you accidentally nudge with your video camera is as likely to speak German, Italian, or English as the local Sammarinese dialect. As a result, it's hardly surprising that many people view San Marino as a mere tourist trap--an accusation that's only partly fair, since the country makes an appealing day trip or overnight travel stop for visitors who can tolerate souvenir shops and crowds.

Sightseeing

San Marino's three fortresses are worth a visit. The castles are perched along the cliffs of Monte Titano, where they offer panoramic views of the local countryside, the Italian resort of Rimini, and the Adriatic coast. A museum of antique weapons occupies one of the torre; you'll find more museums in the old town.

Special events are another draw. The San Marino Grand Prix brings Formula 1 car racers and fans to nearby Imola, Italy in late April. During July, the capital celebrates Medieval Days with a week's worth of processions, crossbow competitions, historic games, nightly feasts, and other activities. See page 2 for Web links.

How to reach San Marino

San Marino is 16 miles (26 km) inland from Rimini near the southeastern border of Emília-Romagna, about two-thirds of the way up Italy's Adriatic coast.

By car, leave the A14 autostrada at the Rimini-Sud exit and follow the highway to San Marino.

By railroad, take the train from Rimini to San Marino. (Bus service is also available.)

Related Web sites

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