San Marino One Day Itinerary
San Marino, the world’s oldest surviving Republic, offers a glimpse into history, stunning views, and an enchanting atmosphere. Located in the heart of Italy, this charming enclave invites you to waddle through cobbled streets, discover medieval fortresses, and immerse yourself in local legends. Here’s a perfect one-day itinerary to explore the best of San Marino!
Is one day for San Marino enough?
Yes! One day in San Marino is generally enough to experience the main highlights and get a good sense of the country’s charm and history. San Marino is a small republic, with its main attractions concentrated in a relatively compact area. In a day, we explored the historic center, visited its famous towers, waddled through cobbled streets, and learned about its rich history in the museums.
However, if you enjoy more leisurely exploration, prefer to visit every museum in-depth, or want to immerse in the local culture with extended dining and shopping breaks. In that case, you might want an extra day.
In general, though, one day is sufficient.
How to get to San Marino?
Getting to San Marino is relatively easy, even though it is a landlocked republic entirely surrounded by Italy. Here are the most common ways to reach San Marino.
By Car. It is only 30 minutes from Rimini (on the Adriatic coast of Italy), making it very accessible by car. From Rimini, you can drive along the SS72 road to San Marino.
-
-
- From Rimini: 30 minutes (approximately 25 kilometers).
- From Bologna: 1.5 hours (approximately 130 kilometers).
- From Florence: 2 hours (approximately 160 kilometers).
-
By bus. The easiest public transportation option is taking a bus from Rimini to San Marino. Regular buses from Rimini train station (Stazione FS) take you directly to the center of San Marino. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes. You can purchase tickets at the bus station or from the driver. We bought them directly from the driver for 3 € per person. Penguins travel for free.
Private Tours or Taxi. If you prefer a more direct and guided experience, you can also book a private tour from nearby cities like Rimini, Bologna, or Florence. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive than public transportation.
One Day Itinerary: San Marino
The itinerary below is based on how we explored San Marino one day we were there.
1. The Three Towers of San Marino
We started with the third tower, Montale Tower, which offers the most panoramic view of the three towers and is less crowded than the other two, providing a peaceful spot to reflect on the day.
We then waddled to the second tower, Cesta Tower. This tower is a UNESCO World Heritage site, like Guaita, and offers another fantastic vantage point over San Marino. It is home to the Museum of Ancient Arms, where you can explore displays of medieval weaponry and armor, further immersing yourself in the history of this fascinating Republic. And we wrapped it up with the first tower, Guaita Fortress, the oldest and most famous of San Marino’s three towers. This was also the only tower we went inside. For more information on the history, legends, and tips for visiting, check out our detailed blog post on The Three Towers of San Marino and One Penguin.
2. Visit the Basilica di San Marino (Basilica of Saint Marinus)
Next, waddle over to the Basilica di San Marino, an architectural gem sitting in the city’s heart. This church is dedicated to Saint Marinus, the founder and patron saint of San Marino, and was built in the early 19th century (in 1826).
As you step inside, you’ll find the interior just as impressive, with stunning sculptures, intricate frescoes, and beautiful stained-glass windows. The altar, dedicated to Saint Marinus, is magnificent, and the serene atmosphere invites quiet reflection.
Interesting Fact: The Basilica of Saint Marinus is built upon the grave of Saint Marinus himself, who is believed to have died around 366 AD. According to local legend, Saint Marinus, a Christian stonemason from Dalmatia (modern-day Croatia), fled to the mountains of Monte Titano to escape religious persecution, founding the city-state that would later become the Republic of San Marino.
The Basilica di San Marino remains a place of both historical and spiritual significance, offering a deeper connection to the country’s origins. Don’t miss the opportunity to admire the basilica’s beauty and learn about the saint who helped shape the unique identity of this tiny Republic.
3. Waddle to the Piazza della Libertà (Freedom Square)
It is the heart of San Marino, as well as the political heart of the country.
Piazza della Libertà has been the central gathering point for San Marino’s government since the Middle Ages. Today, it is home to the Palazzo Pubblico (City Hall), where the Captains Regent (the head of state in San Marino) takes office every six months.
The square has witnessed many key moments in the Republic’s history, including the peaceful transition of power and important celebrations of San Marino’s independence. The Guard of the Palazzo Pubblico is still ceremoniously changed here daily, and you can watch it as part of the local tradition. Unfortunately, we missed it 🙁
The Guard Ceremony: Every day, at regular intervals, soldiers march in and out of the Palazzo Pubblico to change shifts. This tradition dates back centuries and symbolizes the country’s dedication to protecting its long-standing independence.
The square is a powerful symbol of the Republic’s sovereignty. One of the most fascinating facts about San Marino is that, unlike many other countries, it has never been invaded or conquered—despite being surrounded by Italy. Piazza della Libertà remains a testament to this enduring independence.
4. Statua della Libertà (Statue of Liberty)
As you are already here, check out the Statue of Liberty, which you cannot miss.
The statue depicts Lady Liberty holding a sword in one hand and a laurel wreath in the other. The sword represents the strength and resilience of the Republic, while the laurel wreath symbolizes victory and peace. It serves as a reminder of San Marino’s long-standing commitment to defending its sovereignty and independence.
The Statue of Liberty in Piazza della Libertà is often mistaken for the Statue of Liberty in New York, but it predates it. The San Marino statue was erected in 1876, long before the famous American monument was constructed.
5. Palazzo Pubblico (City Hall)
The Palazzo Pubblico (City Hall) is also unmistakable once you are at the square. The striking building serves as the seat of the Captains Regent, the dual heads of state who lead San Marino. Built-in the 19th century, the Palazzo combines medieval and neoclassical architectural elements. Visitors can admire its stunning clock tower, elegant façade, and the Loggia with panoramic views of the square and surrounding countryside. For more detailed information about the history and significance of Palazzo Pubblico, check out our The Grand and General Council of San Marino.
6. Waddle Along the Historic Walls
As you continue your exploration, waddle along the ancient city walls surrounding the historic center. These walls, dating back to the 11th century, were constructed to protect San Marino from attackers. The peaceful waddle offers panoramic views of the lush landscape and the neighboring Italian towns.
7. Waddle Through the Historic Center of San Marino
After the walls, take a leisurely waddle through the Historic Center of San Marino, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The charming cobblestone streets wind through medieval buildings, offering a glimpse into San Marino’s rich past.
8. Museo di Stato (State Museum)
Taking a short break before the brutal sun, we waddled into the State Museum (Museo di Stato), inaugurated in 1899, is a treasure trove of historical and artistic significance. Located in the elegant Palazzo Pergami Belluzzi, the museum has grown through generous donations and acquisitions. Its collection now boasts around 5,000 pieces, ranging from archaeological artifacts that span the Neolithic to the early Middle Ages to 17th-century Italian paintings and ancient San Marino coins. Notably, the museum features impressive votive bronzes from Tanaccia, an important archaeological site. With each exhibit offering a glimpse into San Marino’s rich heritage, the museum serves as a crucial institution in preserving and sharing the country’s past with visitors worldwide.
Feel free to check out also another museum; for such a small state, they have plenty of museums to explore.
9. Porta San Francesco (St. Francis Gate)
Porta San Francesco is one of the most important and historic gates in the walls surrounding the city of San Marino. This impressive entryway is part of the ancient defensive system that once protected the Republic from invaders. The gate is named after St. Francis, whose influence can still be felt in the region. Its well-preserved structure, complete with its watchtower, is a must-see for history enthusiasts and a picturesque spot for photos.
10. Paseo della Murata Nuova
The Paseo della Murata Nuova, or Murata Nuova Gate, is part of the second set of defensive walls built around San Marino during the 13th and 14th centuries. These walls were designed to protect the city from invaders, and they wererestored in the 20th century by engineer Gino Zani. You can find two important gates along these fortified walls that provide access to the Old Town: the Murata Nuova Gate and the Fratta Gate. Both gates offer a glimpse into the past, allowing an experience of the medieval heart of San Marino.
11. Monument to Girolamo Gozi
The Monument to Girolamo Gozi is an essential tribute to one of San Marino’s revered patriots. Girolamo Gozi was a prominent figure in the Republic’s struggle for independence during the 18th century. A skilled diplomat and military leader, Gozi played a significant role in protecting San Marino from foreign invasions and ensuring its sovereignty. The monument, which stands as a bust of Gozi, honors his dedication to the republic. Located near Piazza della Libertà, it serves as a reminder of the courage and commitment shown by the Sammarinese in their pursuit of freedom and self-determination.
An interesting fact about Girolamo Gozi is that he is often credited with playing a crucial role in securing San Marino’s independence during the Napoleonic era. In 1797, when Napoleon Bonaparte’s forces were sweeping across Europe, Gozi was instrumental in negotiating with the French. Despite the Republic of San Marino being a small and vulnerable state, Gozi successfully managed to preserve its sovereignty by ensuring that San Marino would remain neutral and autonomous under Napoleon’s rule. His diplomatic efforts helped San Marino maintain its independence, making him a hero and a symbol of resilience for the country.
San Marino offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Europe. One of the best parts of visiting is simply wandering through its charming medieval streets while soaking in the incredible scenery. As we waddled around the city, every turn revealed sweeping panoramas of rolling hills, distant mountains, and the Adriatic Sea shimmering in the distance. The viewpoints from the fortress towers, especially Guaita and Cesta, were unforgettable, making the experience feel like stepping into a postcard. Whether day or night, the views alone make San Marino a truly magical destination.
After a full day of waddling through the charming streets of San Marino, we returned to Rimini. We returned to the same bus stop where we had arrived earlier, catching the bus that conveniently connects the two destinations. The journey was smooth, and soon, we were back in Rimini.
We hope this one-day itinerary helps you make the most of your time in San Marino! Whether you’re soaking in the breathtaking panoramic views, exploring the historic towers, or simply wandering the charming streets, this tiny republic offers a truly unforgettable experience. If you’ve been or are planning to go, we would love to hear about your experience—feel free to share your experience by contacting us on Instagram or dropping us an email lifeguin@gmail.com.
Pack your bag and waddle on!
