What to do in San Marino? The question I asked myself before visiting this very small country, located on the slopes of Mount Titano. This tiny yet captivating country is a hidden gem waiting to be explored and yet many leave it out when visiting anywherAdriatic Sea. I visited San Marino on my recent trip through Italy and will tell you all about the breathtaking views, endless steps and hikes, where is San Marino located and why it’s not that easy to become a citizen.
Where is San Marino located
Before we get into what to do in San Marino, let’s talk where is San Marino located. Tucked away in the heart of Italy, San Marino is located on the northeastern side of the Apennine Peninsula. Despite its small size, with San Marino being one of the smallest countries in Europe, it proudly also claims to be one of the oldest countries / states in the world. Its strategic position near Mount Titano, on top of which the capital – San Marino lies – offers breathtaking panoramic views that extend all the way to the Adriatic Sea on clear days.
While geographically part of Italy, San Marino has fiercely maintained its independence throughout history. It boasts its own government, diplomatic relations with other countries, and even issues its own postage stamps! This unique blend of Italian influence and self-governance gives San Marino an unmistakable charm that sets it apart from neighboring regions.
San Marino on a road map
Why is San Marino a country
San Marino, a small but proud nation nestled in the heart of Italy, has a fascinating history that sets it apart as an independent country. But why is San Marino considered a country and when was San Marino Founded?
When was San Marino founded?
One reason lies in its origins. Founded in 301 AD by Saint Marinus, a Christian stonemason seeking religious freedom, San Marino quickly grew into a self-governing community. Its people developed their own institutions and laws, solidifying their autonomy.
Another factor is the recognition it received from other nations. Over the centuries, various treaties and agreements affirmed San Marino’s sovereignty and independence. Even during times of political upheaval in Italy, this tiny republic managed to maintain its status as a distinct nation.
The international community recognises San Marino’s sovereign status through diplomatic relations and membership in organisations such as the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and Interpol.
How big is San Marino
San Marino may be one of the smallest countries in the world, but it certainly packs a punch when it comes to its rich history and stunning landscapes. Nestled within Italy, this tiny microstate covers an area of just 61 square kilometers (24 square miles). To put that into perspective, you could fit around 44 San Marinos within New York City!
San Marino, the country, consists of nine municipalities or “castelli”. These are administrative divisions within the country:
1. San Marino (also known as Città di San Marino or City of San Marino and is the capital)
2. Borgo Maggiore
3. Chiesanuova
4. Domagnano
5. Faetano
6. Fiorentino
7. Montegiardino
8. Serravalle
9. Acquaviva
These municipalities are spread across the territory of San Marino, which is the third smallest country in Europe by land area. Each municipality has its own distinct characteristics and may contain multiple smaller settlements.
What to do in San Marino
Which takes me to what to do in San Marino. I arrived to the country by car, and parked it just below the hill of where the capital is. I then ended up taking a cable car up to the hill to the capital, also called San Marino, or if you’d like to, you can walk. While I was visiting, the weather wasn’t in my favour, so I took the cable car, it doesn’t take long and you can admire the whole San Marino (the country) while getting there. It is quite amazing, yet quick – under five min, and at the time of my visit it cost 3 euros but you can find the up-to-date information here.
What to do in San Marino for a day
So let’s talk about what to do in San Marino for a day. Whenever you arrive to the top of the hill aka the capital, the first thing you’ll see will be the views from Guaita Tower or Montale Tower! These ancient fortresses provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.
For those interested in history and culture, visit the Palazzo Pubblico. This majestic government building houses fascinating exhibits showcasing San Marino’s rich heritage. And don’t forget to check out the impressive Basilica di San Marino – a beautiful church that dates back to the 19th century. You can’t miss both if you start your journey going right instead of walking up on the left hand side. However, rest assured you will walk around the whole city as it’s not that huge and goes in circles. Sometimes you may be little lost in the narrow streets and feel like walking the same ones but fortunately the signal up here is strong enough and Google Maps do help quite a bit.
Nature lovers will delight in exploring Mount Titano Natural Park. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on one of its many scenic trails. As you ascend through lush forests and rocky terrain, be prepared to encounter stunning wildlife and captivating flora.
If you’re more inclined towards art and culture, take a stroll through Borgo Maggiore or visit one of the many museums scattered across this charming country. From contemporary art exhibitions at Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea to historic artifacts at Museo di Stato, there’s no shortage of artistic inspiration here.
If shopping is more your style, head to Via XXVIII Luglio – a bustling street filled with boutique stores selling everything from local handicrafts to high-end fashion brands. I’ve bought some very reasonably priced limoncello, clothing and other souvenirs. While restaurants are very average and every one of them feel like a tourist trap, the small shops with goods are really good and I was pleasantly surprised by that.
Some of the local cuisine consists of traditional dishes like piadina (a flatbread sandwich), torta tre monti (layered cake), or formaggio di fossa (aged cheese). Pair these delectable treats with a glass of Sangiovese wine for an authentic culinary experience.
San Marino flag
The flag of San Marino features two horizontal bands – one white on top and one light blue on the bottom. In the center of the white band sits the coat of arms, which consists of three towers atop three peaks.
The colors of the San Marino flag hold significant meaning. The white represents peace, while the light blue embodies freedom and loyalty. As for the coat of arms, it signifies strength and unity among San Marino’s people.
When you visit San Marino, you’ll see this distinctive flag proudly displayed throughout the country. It can be found fluttering in front of government buildings, adorning shops and restaurants, or even worn by locals during festivities.
San Marino national flag waving in beautiful sky.
Why is it not easy to become San Marino citizen
We’ve answered the questions of where is San Marino located and why is San Marino a country but I believe it’s quite important to address why it may not be that easy to become a citizen of the country.
These are the main three reasons:
- San Marino has strict requirements for citizenship, including residency and integration criteria. Applicants often need to reside in the country for an extended period, usually several years, before they can apply for citizenship.
- San Marino has a small population and limited space, which means the government may limit the number of individuals granted citizenship through naturalization each year.
- Like many countries, San Marino may prioritize individuals with San Marino heritage or family connections when considering citizenship applications. This can make it more difficult for foreigners without ties to the country to obtain citizenship.
San Marino and football
San Marino’s football team is known for its resilience and determination despite being one of the smallest and lowest-ranked teams globally. The team competes in international tournaments such as FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the UEFA European Championship qualifiers. Despite facing significant challenges due to the country’s small population and limited resources, San Marino’s players demonstrate passion and dedication on the field. While victories are rare, the team’s commitment to the sport garners admiration worldwide. Learn more about San Marino football here.
San Marino is one of those countries and cities that you may only visit once, Especially if you’re not travelling by car, it may be quite difficult to reach this amazing country and its capital. Personally, I would recommend. I hope I answered all the questions such as why is San Marino a country or where is San Marino located and you’ve found this guide helpful.
One last thing before you leave, is just to be aware though, the shopping malls are absolute rubbish, there is one very high-end one that no one visits and the other ones don’t have anything in them. Other than that though, the people are nice, it’s surprisingly not overpriced and overall I really enjoyed my visit.
If you’re loving San Marino you may also like city of Vatican, located in the beautiful Rome.