San Marino

6–7 March 2025

 

It takes two trains and a bus to get to San Marino—third smallest country in Europe, fifth smallest in the world—from most places in Italy, but this little gem is well worth it. It gained its independence from the Roman Empire in 301 A.D. and from the Papal States in 1291, and it is the oldest republic in the world (its constitution dates from 1600). A fascinating, beautiful, friendly country. Go there!

 

Basilica di San Marino.

 

Guaita Tower.

 

Cesta Tower.

 

Montale Tower.

 

Public Palace of San Marino: day, night, on the left.

 

Cappella Nuova, note the Crescent, Cross, and Star of David.

 

Quiet lane.

 

Here is a panorama video from the balcony of our room at the Grand Hotel.

 

Looking east, Italy in the distance.

 

Along the Cesta Tower trail.

 

The tower, above.

 

San Marino above, from the bus ride into town.

 

Ayrton, alas, from the train, on the way to San Marino.

 

License plate.