Sharing the same name as the country itself, the City of San Marino is the capital city of the Republic of San Marino, also known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino. Located on the western slopes of Mount Titano, the highest point in the country, the City of San Marino or simply San Marino is the third largest city in the country after Borgo Maggiore, the industrial centre of the country and Dogana, the largest city. The city was established by Saint Marinus in 301 along with other Christian missionaries and became an important haven for Christians fleeing the Roman powers.
Winding cobbled streets lead up to this enchanting city, most of which can be explored on foot, as cars are not allowed to enter the city after a certain point. As San Marino borders Italy, a majority of the tourists visiting San Marino are Italians, but tourists from other parts of Europe also come here for a holiday. San Marino has a typical Mediterranean climate with warm summers and a mild winter and is therefore perfect for a holiday any time of the year. Rimini in Italy is the closest airport while a bus service runs from the city to Rimini. Also there is a cable car line that runs from Borgo Maggiore to San Marino.
The most well-known and significant tourist sites are the Three Towers of San Marino that are perched atop the three peaks of Mount Titano. The oldest and the most popular is the Guaita, which was built in the 11th century and also served as a prison for sometime. The second is the Cesta, built in the 13th century on the topmost peak of Mount Titano. The tower also houses a museum that was established in 1956 in honor of Saint Marinus. The Montale, which is the third tower is situated on the smallest of the three peaks and was built in the 14th century, but is not open to the public. The towers provide a spectacular view of San Marino and the surrounding areas.
Other places of interest in the city include the Palazzo dei Capitani, Palazzo Pubblico or the Town Hall, Monastery of Santa Clara, Piazza Garibaldi and the Piazza del Titano. The State Museum and the Saint Francis Museum are also worth visiting if you wish to learn about the history of San Marino. It is the focal location of the city and the grand views that you get from here that makes the city such a popular tourist destination. Besides it takes you back into history when you explore the quaint alleyways and the wonders that abide here.
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