San Marino, The World’s Smallest Republic, Has Some of the Oldest History and Traditions

By Aysia Reed

San Marino, otherwise known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, is one of the smallest country in Europe. San Marino is located in the northeast region of the Apennine Mountains and as of 2020 has a population of just 33,627.

The land area is a little bit over 24 sq mi. Although small, it still has a significant amount of remarkable attractions.

The local dialect is the historical language of the country and it is still spoken by a small fraction of the natives. Italian is their official language.

The country dates back to the 4th century AD, making it the world’s oldest sovereign state.

Travelers from across the globe, especially from Germany, Russia, and the United States, visit the tiny country annually to fulfill their curiosities.

“You can visit San Marino any time of the year. In summer time it’s full of special events and evenings for all tastes, from medieval days to shopping under the stars to a romantic appetizer at sunset,” said Lucy Santolini, who is a part of the San Marino Tourism Board.

“During winter, the Christmas of Wonders’ event is definitely not to be missed. In spring and autumn there are many outdoor activities to experience, from hiking to biking, climbing or you can try out archery or even a classical guided tour in the old town that will take you back in time,” added Santolini.

Jim Ferri, a travel editor and photographer from Florida, visited the tiny nation a few years ago and told GoNOMAD about San Marino’s little border formalities, and how you only need a passport or ID in case of control.

“Nor do you need to change your money since the Sammarinese, as its citizens are called, use the Euro, even though they’re not a member of the European Union,” said Ferri in his San Marino article on NeverStopTraveling. com.

Mount Titano on San Marino

At the highest point of San Marino sits Mount Titano. It prevails 739 meters high atop the mountain.

“Founded by a stonecutter and built with – and in – local, light and slightly golden stone, the State of San Marino boasts a tradition of almost two millennials linked to the work of stonecutters. The stone of Mount Titano has been used for most monuments, streets, fortifications and some houses and it still represents one of the most characteristic features of the city,” Santolini told GoNOMAD.

From this point, you are able to see a stunning view of the coast, the Apennine Mountains, and the city of Rimini. Mount Titano includes 3 different towers, and each has a slightly different history.

The first tower is called Rocca or Guaita It was built in the XII century. A sloping roof was added to the tower in the 16th century. The walls were built as solid double walls. Until 1970, certain sectors of the building were used as a prison.

The door entrance is sheltered by a small wooden structure made in 1481. The internal walls of the tower stop at one side of the Pinnacle Tower and the other side stop at the Bell Tower.

The canyons in the yard were donated by the Italian kings Vittorio Emanuele II  and Vittorio Emanuele III as a sign of friendship.

Cesta Fortress (also known as Fratta) is the second tower and stands 756 meters high. This tower housed some prison rooms. It also housed the Fortification Guards Division. At the end of the XVI century, the tower was not used for any specific purpose.

Present-day the Cesta Fortress is home to the Museum of Ancient Weapons. The museum includes spears, firearms, bows and arrows, coats of armor, and sidearms.

Montale is the 3rd tower out of the trio. Despite being the smallest, it played a strategic war role as the best lookout post. The bottom of the tower housed a prison.

There is an entrance fee of 4,50 euros for each tower, but prices and visit hours are subject to change. The third tower is not open to the public.

The Casa di Fabrica in Montecchio

If museums are more of your interest, check out The Casa Fabrica in Montecchio. This museum is one of the very oldest patronal houses in San Marino. Restorations and updates have been made to the house, to make it more sturdy and long-lasting.

The bedroom, kitchen, barn, and room of the old loom and women’s work were all the areas that were fixed.

The Municipality of San Marino and the Committee of the Territory of San Marino, the Ministry for Territory, and the  agriculture team were the groups that made opening up the museum possible.

The old house showcases ancient commodities.

These include iron coal, a sickle, a hoe, copper pots, an old cradle, a sling bar, and the original loom. Museum-goers are able to get a close-up glimpse of these ancient items that were used at the house.

The house also gives travelers a sense of what life was like in old San Marino and the traditions that came along with everyday life. Being able to directly see the oldest house in the country is a considerable privilege for tourists and the entrance fee is only 3 euros. The museum is open all year round.

Casa Fabrica is also the seat of the Terra di San Marino Consortium, which has always been committed to the protection, enhancement and promotion of typical local products such as: meat, honey, milk and cheese, wine, olive oil and cereals.

Safari Tents in San Marino

To create your own agenda and to immerse yourself in San Marino’s nature, stay at a safari tent at San Marino’s holiday center.

The tents are undeniably a glamping experience.

The safari tents fit up to 6 people and are housed with a living room, bedroom, refrigerator, coffee machine, kettle, and a 4 burner kitchen cabinet that can be used indoors and outdoors.

The bedroom has 2 bunk beds and a double bed. The kitchen comes fully equipped with silverware and dishes to enjoy meals cooked on the portable kitchen burner.

On the terrace of the safari tent, there is a couch and table with 6 chairs. Electricity and lighting are also included.

If this isn’t luxurious enough for you, you can rent a glamor tent, which is a few notches up from the safari tent. It is only equipped for 5 people, but the outdoor terrace is more advanced than the safari ones. There is a hammock, table, and couch outside and a grill for barbecues.

Tent renters have free access to activities within the tent village while enjoying their stay. Some features include a swimming pool, a soccer field, a tennis court, and mountain biking.

Travelers can choose to partake in these activities, or they can simply enjoy their stay in their tent while admiring the ancient country’s nature.

Dining in San Marino

Before choosing a place to eat in San Marino, here are some of the dining out norms. The drinking age is 16, and it is recommended  for those dining at a restaurant to tip their server.

Pasta dishes, a variety of meats, and chocolatey desserts are typically on the menu at every authentic restaurant.

Ristorante Nido del Falco is a superb choice for dinner. The restaurant’s mission is to serve quality and local food while giving both tourists and locals a unique food experience.

A scottona burger with provolone and parmesan eggplant is one of their highly delectable menu items. The Hawk Cutter is also one of their menu items, which includes a selection of different cheeses and exquisite meats on a platter.

Restaurant goers can enjoy their fanciful meal outdoors on the restaurant’s terrace with a panoramic view of the country’s coast. The outdoor seating can also be rented out for weddings and special occasions.

Another restaurant worth dining at is Ristorante Righi.

This is for travelers who want a more chic restaurant environment. Ristorante Righi is located in the Piazza della Liberta. It had many different uses before it was bought by Maria Righi and turned into a delectable restaurant. They are the only Michelin-starred restaurant in San Marino.

Every month there are different themed nights at the restaurant. The theme typically coincides with holidays and with cuisine that goes hand in hand with it.

The menu features starters vegetarian options, a seafood portion, main courses, and San Marino specialty cheeses.

A Simple Stroll

Admiring the ambiance of the small country could be spent by simply taking a relaxing stroll through the streets.

“The very best thing to do in the Republic of San Marino is to just wander its streets aimlessly, as I did.

In fact, you can walk along almost every street in this landlocked medieval enclave in just a few hours regardless of the time of day,” said Ferri.

Along your stroll, you will be able to revel in the picturesque rolling mountains and discover boutiques on every street.

Tourists will be able to purchase San Marino perfumes, bags, soft-air, watches, handbags, and other items from these stores to bring home as memorabilia from their trip.

Small restaurants and cafes also fill the streets for those who wish to enjoy an authentic meal.