Europe 2010 Day 14 - San Marino

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9 Oct 2010

Setting off from Rimini, we will be making a day trip to San Marino this morning. A few days back, over breakfast with an old couple (also guests at the Venice B&B), one of them mentioned that he collects stamps; one of the unique stamps, which we should look out for, is the triangular-shaped stamps from San Marino.

Rimini was our entry point into the Most Serene Republic of San Marino. This bus stop opposite the main train station (in front of Burger King) was where we boarded the Bonelli bus.


€4 for a oneway ticket to San Marino. The ticketing lady appeared when the bus came. The ride to the City of San Marino is about an hour.


The historical centre and Mount Titano of San Marino is a UNESCO World Heritage site.


An aerial tramway connecting Borgo Maggiore (one of San Marino's town) to City of San Marino on Monte Titano.


P.le Calcigni. The bus bay at San Marino, just below the entrance into the historical center.


Panorama from above the bus stop


San Marino is a microstate and it is the longest lived republic in the world. It is not a European Union member but they are allowed to have their version of Euro coins. During our visit, these Euro coins are rare in circulation; we have not received any of them as change. But, they are available for sale at the souvenir stores!


Old medieval buildings


Museum of Torture


The National Museum, free entry.


Saint Agata, patron saint of San Marino, tortured by having her breasts cut off


Memorative coins


The Crossbow Federation's ballista range


View of Borgo Maggiore


Panorama of Borgo Maggiore from the cable car station


Airguns, there is no VAT here!


The ammunition looks too real


The Palazzo Pubblico (Government Building) in San Marino City.


Interior of the Palazzo


Coat of Arms - the iconic Three Towers of San Marino are depicted


The Hall of Council, the Greant and General council consists of 60 elected members chaired by two Captains Regent who are the executive and representative of the state. The painting is that of the apparition of Saint Marino in front of his people.


Basilica of Saint Marinus (left) and Chiesetta di San Pietro


A cross on a rock


A restaurant in between the basilica and first tower.


"We have a pizza man, everybody has a microwave" -- probably very true


Entrance to the first tower. The "Red Card" costs €4.50, allows entry to the first (the Guaita) and second (the Cesta) towers.


Within the compound of the first tower


First tower courtyard


Feeling dizzy looking down...


The narrow stairs up the tower


The second tower viewed from the first


Panorama of second tower


The two towers: the Cesta and Montale at the back.


The path to the second tower, the Cesta Fortress


Cesta Fortress, where the Museum of Ancient Arms is housed.


The third tower kept prisoners at the 6th storey without access


Rimini in a distance


The Guaita and Palazzo Pubblico. It's getting crowded!


Walking stick with holster for alcohol


Microwave pizza

We have spent about 4 hours covering the City of San Marino; pleasant town, nice stamps, but the towers can be a challenge to climb. It's time to head back to Rimini for a visit to the beach and city.

Check back for the next post soon.

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