Hiding right next to Italy is the world’s oldest country, with a land area of roughly 24 square miles. Founded in 301 AD, San Marino is believed to be the world’s oldest surviving republic, and it’s no ordinary microstate. The country is smaller than the UK’s Manchester, which is roughly 45 square miles.
Despite its size, San Marino is full of medieval charm, with old towers, stone streets, and stunning views all the way to the Adriatic Sea. Its capital and the mountain it sits on are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The country’s food, language, and culture are closely connected to Italy’s. Despite the turmoil across Europe over the centuries, San Marino has proudly held onto its independence, welcoming visitors with a captivating mix of history, peaceful landscapes, and enchanting character.
In the center of San Marino is Guaita Tower, also known as La Rocca. Once a formidable stronghold and later a prison until the 1970s, its distinctive pentagonal design is encircled by dual layers of protective walls. Inside, highlights include the Chapel of Santa Barbara, the Bell Tower, and Torre della Penna, each echoing the tower’s long history and enduring presence.
Tourists can climb steep staircases—including a final metal ladder—to reach the top, where breathtaking views stretch across the countryside to the Adriatic Sea.
San Marino is also home to Piazza della Libertà which is the heart of its historic center- a charming square perched on Mount Titano that pulses with national pride and medieval elegance. Visitors often gather here to watch the changing of the guard, a ceremonial tradition that adds a touch of pageantry to the peaceful surroundings.
Tourists who have been to the historic country have been left mesmerised by its charm.
One of the travellers wrote on TripAdvisor: “Having been to all regions of Italy over the last three decades, this past spring while en route from Perugia to Ancona to catch a ferry to Croatia, we were fortunate enough to visit little San Marino on April 1st.
“This turned out to be one of two days each year where the investiture of the Grand Council’s Regent takes place. Amid pomp and circumstance, brilliant colors, marching bands, and the precision drills of the county’s 100+-man army, we were treated to a close observation of the ceremonies.
“We found that the Republic, high on a hilltop, is especially clean, with well-kept gardens, plazas. parking garages, numerous elevators and thoroughfares. The shops, cafes, restaurants and public buildings also seemed to be the recipients of tender care. After the ceremonies, we enjoyed a very fine lunch in one of the many view restaurants in town. We heartily recommend a visit if you’re in the vicinity. It was my 49th country, a place where postage stamps are the number one purchased product.”
Another one wrote: “Went to San Marino for a couple of hours on a trip to italy. San Marino was one of the highlights. Parking access is good, although the city is on a mountain top, and not too expensive.
“The city itself is a little bit like Disneyland. Very clean, colorful and nice to walk around. There are some sights like the three towers, of which I can recommend the main one on top of the town, a very nice view (albeit not much more than that, and you can also see that from the panoramic restaurant next to it).
“The streets are filled with souvenir shops and tourists, further adding a bit to the Disneyland image.”