San Marino

A tiny republic on the Italian peninsula, only just over 60 square kilometres, with its whole old town built on top of Mount Titano. It is known for its three medieval towers and its identity as the "world's oldest republic"; half a day covers the highlights, and one day allows a leisurely visit.

History: The official language of San Marino is Italian, and the currency is the euro. The Old Town and Mount Titano were listed as World Heritage in 2008. The heads of state are two Captains Regent (Capitani Reggenti), serving six-month terms and elected by the Grand Council; this dual-head system is an important mark of San Marino's political tradition. There are no routine border checks between San Marino and Italy; it long remained independent in history and was not absorbed during Italian unification in the 19th century. The city has a stamp and coin museum, and stamps and commemorative coins issued by San Marino are quite famous among philatelists. Legend: A legend about the founding is told: in AD 301, the stonemason Marinus fled to Mount Titano to escape religious persecution and founded a monastic community, which later generations took as the republic's origin. This is a traditional legend; the specific year 301 and the founding details are to be verified, and it should not be cited as exact founding history.

• Three Towers Trail: Guaita, Cesta and Montale Towers (Torre Guaita / Torre Cesta / Torre Montale) — walk them in turn along the ridge trail, looking out towards the Adriatic.
• Liberty Square and Public Palace (Piazza della Libertà / Palazzo Pubblico) — the old town centre; the changing of the guard ceremony is worth seeing.
• Basilica of San Marino (Basilica di San Marino) — a neoclassical church dedicated to Saint Marinus; be quiet inside.
• State Museum and Stamp and Coin Museum (Museo di Stato / Museo del Francobollo e della Moneta) — themed on republican history, stamps and commemorative coins; suitable for a half-hour to one-hour visit.
• Cable car to and from Borgo Maggiore (Funivia San Marino – Borgo Maggiore) — an uphill cable car of about 90 seconds, an experience in itself; the town below is also good for a stroll.

San Marino has no airport and no railway; external transport relies entirely on roads. Most commonly, take a bus uphill from Rimini railway station or seafront in Italy, about 45–50 minutes; a single fare is on the order of a single-digit number of euros and a return ticket about ten euros, with frequencies varying by season between every half hour and every hour, subject to the operator's announcements. Driving from Rimini via the SS72 takes about 35 minutes uphill; the hilltop car park is below the walls, parking costs on the order of a single-digit number of euros per hour, and after parking, take the cable car or lift up to the old town. There is no general taxi service in the city; a taxi from Rimini costs tens of euros one way, suitable late at night or when catching the last bus. Inside the old town, everything is on foot; streets are steep with many cobbles, so be sure to wear non-slip shoes. There is also a tourist train connecting San Marino City and Borgo Maggiore, suitable for visitors who do not want to climb. To board a bus, hail it at a designated stop and ring the bell in advance to alight; no smoking on board and do not disturb others. Fines for illegal parking and travelling without a ticket are subject to official announcements.

• Red Line: Do not photograph exhibits and ceremonies without permission in the Public Palace and museums; do not climb restricted tower areas or scale the walls; do not talk loudly in religious places.
• Taboo: The traps outsiders most easily fall into: (1) assuming San Marino is just a small Italian town and acting entirely by Italian rules — it is an independent country; bring valid identity documents on entry, and the tourist office can stamp a commemorative visa stamp for a fee (about 5 euros, cash only, subject to official information); the stamp is commemorative in nature and is not equivalent to a visa; (2) climbing the Three Towers Trail in slippers or high heels — the steep cobbled slopes slip very easily, so be sure to change into non-slip shoes; (3) missing the last bus without having booked a car in advance — there is no general taxi on the mountain, and getting down late at night will be very difficult.
• Good Manners: On entering a shop, say "Buongiorno" in Italian first, then switch to English; restaurant tips are not compulsory, and for good service you may round up or leave 5%–10%; queue in order for the cable car and do not jump the queue; when collecting stamps or buying commemorative coins, ask staff to confirm they are officially issued, to avoid buying imitations (subject to official channels).

The euro is in general use and credit cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for the commemorative visa stamp and small-shop purchases. Half a day is enough for the old town; with museums and lunch, plan one day. Summer evenings on the hilltop turn cool — bring a light jacket. In winter there are fewer visitors and some shops shorten their hours — confirm in advance. From Bologna, first take a train to Rimini then transfer to a bus, about 2 hours in total.