San Marino is the third smallest state in Europe, after the Vatican and Monaco. The small enclave, surrounded 100% by Italy, has a very rich history, being founded in 300 BC and having the oldest constitution still in force (since 1600). San Marino covers an area of 60 square kilometers, and the capital, Citta of San Marino, sits high on Mount Titano. We spent a whole day walking through the streets of the little capital, we enjoyed the most beautiful landscapes on the Passo delle Streghe (the Witches’ passage), and finally we reached Piazza della Liberta, where the well-known Palazzo Pubblico is located. San Marino borrowed the most beautiful from the Italians: The narrow stone-paved streets, restaurants, language, but also the general atmosphere. In San Marino you will feel the same as in any other Italian city. And in this article I show you how you can easily get to San Marino from Bologna and what you can do and see in the smallest European country.
Best Travel Itinerary for 1 Day in San Marino Italy
How to get to San Marino?
By car – between Bologna and San Marino there are 130 km, which you can travel in approx. 1 hour. It is best to drive to Borgo Maggiore and then by cable car to Citta di San Marino. The cost of a trip is 2.80 euros. Until April, the cable cars do not work, but there is a possibility to get in by car, and before entering the city – the capital of the microstate being car free – there are several parking lots where you can leave the car.
There is also the possibility to take the bus from Rimini, where a trip costs 5 euros.
Where to stay in San Marino?
Booking.comWhat to do and see in San Marino?
The Guaita Tower is the oldest tower of the three, built in the 10th century and served as a prison. Also, the Cesta Tower is equally famous, currently hosting a museum of medieval weapons. The Montale Tower is the smallest tower and was built in the 14th century.
My favorite place in San Marino was the Passo delle Streghe, which gave us a dream view of the surroundings. On the one hand we see the Adriatic Sea and on the other we see the Apennine Mountains. Passo delle Streghe connects the two towers, Guaita and Cesta.
Palazzo Pubblico and Piazza della Liberta – Palazzo pubblico are a sublime example of the neo-Gothic style, and as the name suggests, the “public palace” houses the town hall of the microstate of San Marino. The Palazzo Pubblico is set in Piazza della Libertà, where visitors can attend the changing of the guard ceremony. Unfortunately, we were there outside the season, during which the ceremony does not take place (changing the guard takes place every day during the summer season).
Downtown – San Marino is not full of tourist attractions or museums, but it has a very nice vibe, which you feel best when walking through the city streets. At every step you will discover something beautiful – a market, a store that sells handmade products, a nice terrace or a church.
Things to know about San Marino
- It is the third smallest country in Europe
- the official language is italian and the euro
- you do not need a passport to enter the country
- however, you can get a stamp on your passport. For this you have to go to the tourist office, where for the 5 euro call you will be stamped your passport
- i understand that the summer city is quite busy and it is advisable to come as early as possible
Best Travel Itinerary for 1 Day in San Marino Italy
San Marino is the best destination for a day trip from Bologna, and if you want to go further, I recommend you to book 2 days for a little relaxation on the beach in Rimini, one of the best beaches in Italy for families and not only. If your trip to Italy continues, I recommend reading the following articles.
