The main 'highlight' of the country, despite its small territory, is the beautifully preserved medieval look and an abundance of castles. Almost all the people of the country inhabit small castle-towns, such as Domagnano, Fiorentino, Serravale, Acquaviva, Faetano, Borgo Maggiore, and Montegiardino Cesanuovo. Other settlements in the country are equally picturesque and constantly serve as a kind of scenery for historical films.

The face of the country's capital, San Marino, is formed by small ancient houses, on the slopes of Mount Titano. The 'Upper Town' is remarkable for its narrow streets that are weaving between the remnants of fortifications, tiny squares and alleys, so typical of medieval cities. Here and there one will find the ruins of medieval fortresses that once protected the independence of the city from the invasion of its neighbors. Three mighty stages of fortifications were erected here at different times and once encircled the whole mountain, making the town a virtually impregnable fortress. In the remaining part of the strong Guaita La Rocca fortress, there is the Artillery Museum and the Museum of the Guards, Fratta fortress, Montale tower, and the Basilica del Santo.

San Marino Historic Center and Mount Titano


The downtown area is famous for the Government Palace, the Pyanello area and lots of medieval buildings. Most of the buildings in this part of the city have been destroyed. The rest of fortifications have been preserved intact, and here you can see the Gate of San Francesco, the Torrione Titano Tower and the walls connecting Fratta and Montale fortresses. One of the main attractions of San Marino is the Government Palace or the Palazzo Publico, built in the 19th century on the site of the Communis-Magna old palace house. In front of the palace, there is Freedom Square, which is dominated in the center by the Statue of Liberty.

Naturally, this old village has many places of worship. One of the most beautiful churches in the city is Basilica del Santo, built on the site of the ancient church of Pieve within the fortress. Not far from this place, one will also see the church of San Pietro, where the tomb of the saint is located.

The church Chizay di San Francesco is located in the Franciscan monastery of San Marino and is considered the oldest building in the country. On the premises of the church, there is the Museum of Church Art and the Art Gallery with the works dating back to the 13th century.

The city is rich in museums, including the Museum of Ancient Arms, Wax Museum with the reconstructions of the history of the Republic of San Marino, and the European Museum of Contemporary Weapons.

San Marino is the country with the unique museum of curious and unconventional things, the only museum of its kind in the world, and the Museum of Torture with a huge collection of torture instruments. Of special interest is also the Reptilarium, the center for experimental research of the mysterious world of reptiles and fish. Hiking is also very popular here, as the Apennines have many hiking trails that pass through the most picturesque places. San Marino tour operators are few in numbers but the travel agents for San Marino can certainly help put together a great vacation.