San Marino Key Attractions

San Marino has plenty to interest visitors. Most famous for its ancient ruins and churches, it is easy to immerse yourself in the culture and history of this tiny republic. Lovers of architecture and art will also find many interesting sights here, as the area is dotted with many different architectural styles and art collections can be found both in the museum and in some of the churches.

La Rocca and Mount Titano fortresses

San Marino has some interesting ancient fortresses on the peak of Mount Titano, overlooking the city. La Rocca, also known as the Guaita or First Tower, dates back to the 11th century, when it was carved out of the mountain and became an important guard tower in the citys defence. The highest of the three towers is the Cesta (Second Tower), which contains the San Marino Museum of Antique Weapons and dates back to the 13th century. The final tower, Montale (Third Tower), was also built in the 13th century and like La Rocca and Cesta, it became a prison in later years. La Rocca is the most impressive of the three towers, with a stunning bell tower and glorious views of the city and coastline from its top.

Basilica del Santo

The Basilica del Santo is considered to be the most important church in San Marino and it is also the most spectacular. Built in the 19th century on the site of one of the first Christian monuments, the building retains some of the original structures including the bell tower, which dates from about 1600. The basilica was built in the neo-classical style with Corinthian columns. Under the altar is an urn which contains the remains and artefacts of San Marino, the citys patron saint. The church also houses the 17th century throne of the Captains Regent, which is still used today for inauguration ceremonies. A staircase by the bell tower leads to the 16th century church of St Peter, carved into the rocks, where it is claimed that San Marino slept.

Palazzo Publico

In the historic centre of the city, the Palazzo Publico is well worth a visit. Built on the site of a medieval household, construction began in 1884 using stone from the Titano caves and it took 10 years to complete. The light yellow stone faade is a beautiful sight at sunset and the clock tower acts as a useful navigation point back to the square. The interior of the building is equally interesting, with some impressive art works including some tapestries. The grand entrance hall leads via a staircase to the council chamber, congress and hearing halls, and voting room, where you can enjoy fantastic views of the square below.

Church of San Francesco (Chiesa di San Francesco)

The Church of San Francesco is the oldest remaining building in San Marino, and although it has suffered from some mediocre alterations over the years, the front of the building has been restored to its original style and it is certainly worth a visit. The original church was built in 1361 and its most important feature is the wooden crucifix on the high altar, which is believed to date back to 300 AD. There is also a collection of paintings by Niccolo Alunno of Foligno, a notable Umbrian painter who died in 1502. The church is one of the most visited sites in San Marino.

State Museum of San Marino (Museo di Stato Repubblica di San Marino)

The interesting State Museum was established in the second half of the 19th century and contains a variety of historical and artistic collections that illustrate the history of the republic. The ground floor of the museum is focused on archaeological finds, which include some remains thought to date back to 8 BC. There are also some interesting documents showing evidence for the existence of a monastery in San Marino since the 6th century. The entire first floor is dedicated to art and includes masterpieces by Giambono, Passerotti and Strozzi.

Museo di Auto d'Epoca

San Marino has become synonymous with Formula 1 motor racing over the years, as the San Marino Grand Prix at nearby Imola has become one of the most famous, and this museum celebrates that with a display of racing vehicles from the late 18th century up to the 1970s. If you enjoy looking at historical cars and motorbikes then this is a must-see. The museum was opened in 1965 and current exhibits include a 1916 Ford T, a 1910 Zedel that once belonged to Margerita of Savoia, and slightly bizarrely, Pope John XXIIIs 1959 Fiat. The museum is situated just outside San Marino, on the road to Rimini.