Explore History, Legends, and Panoramic Views from the Peaks of San Marino
When in San Marino, the Three Towers are simply a must visit destination. We saw them already from Rimini, Italy, as they stand atop the rugged peaks of Monte Titano. These medieval fortresses embody the spirit of one of the world’s oldest republics and offer breathtaking views and stories that enchant every traveler who waddles up their ancient paths. Read on to learn how to get there, how long the waddle is, what the opening hours are, and more.
A Brief History of the Three Towers of San Marino
The Three Towers of San Marino—Guaita, Cesta, and Montale—were built between the 11th and 14th centuries to defend the small republic from invasions. Together, they symbolize San Marino’s resilience and independence, a sentiment etched into the very identity of this microstate.
Guaita Tower
It is the oldest and most famous of the trio. Built in the 11th century, this fortress was once used as a prison. Its walls have weathered centuries of conflict and still exude an aura of strength.
Cesta Tower
It is perched on the highest peak of Monte Titano, was constructed in the 13th century and now houses a museum of ancient weaponry.
Montale Tower
It the smallest and most secluded, dates back to the 14th century. Montale is not open to the public, but its storied history and enigmatic presence add to its allure.
The Local Legend
One local legend tells of a brave princess who defended the republic during a siege. When foreign invaders surrounded Guaita Tower, she devised a clever plan to save her people. Under the cover of darkness, she ordered fires to be lit along Monte Titano’s ridges, creating the illusion of a massive army. The trick worked—the invaders, spooked by the apparent reinforcements, fled without a fight. This tale, though partly mythical, reflects the resilience and ingenuity of San Marino’s people. The princess is celebrated during local festivals and remains a beloved symbol of the republic’s independence and bravery.
Even today, locals affectionately refer to the princess as a symbol of San Marino’s independence and ingenuity. When visiting the towers, especially Guaita, it’s easy to imagine the flickering fires and the determined defenders who once stood where you now tread.
An interesting fact is that San Marino’s Three Towers are depicted on its national flag and coat of arms. These iconic fortresses are cherished symbols of freedom and unity.
How to Get To The Three Towers
Getting to the Three Towers is an adventure in itself. From the heart of San Marino’s Old Town, follow the marked trails that waddle up Monte Titano. The hike takes about 30 minutes, with scenic stops along the way. Alternatively, you can take the funicular from Borgo Maggiore to the city center and start your ascent there. If you are arriving by car, parking is available near the Old Town, but be prepared to waddle up the steep streets!
Opening Hours and Tickets to the Three Towers
- Guaita Tower: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (hours may extend during summer).
- Cesta Tower: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (longer hours in summer).
- Montale Tower: Not open to visitors but can be viewed from the trails around Monte Titano.
Admission
You can explore the Guaita and Cesta Towers with a single combined admission ticket.
- Ticket Price is approximately 5€ for adults (discounts may be available for children, students, or groups). And penguins have free entry.
- Where to Buy: You can purchase tickets at the entrances of the towers. Cash and card payments are accepted.
The third tower, Montale, is not open to visitors, but you can view it from the surrounding trails as you explore Monte Titano. Remember that ticket prices and availability may vary depending on the season, so it’s always good to check ahead of your visit.
Our Exploration of the Three Towers of San Marino
We arrived in San Marino by bus from Rimini. It’s convenient and runs on a regular timeline. Check it out here – link. Once we arrived in San Marino, the three towers were our first stop. But, of course, we had to waddle up first. And as we usually do, we also found a shortcut of sorts. Though it’s not an official one, it took us through a forest and uphill till we reached the official way to one of the towers.
Third Tower: Montale
The Montale Tower, dating back to the late 13th century, is the smallest of San Marino’s iconic fortifications but plays a vital role in the republic’s defense. Positioned strategically for surveillance, it offers commanding views of the surrounding landscape. With its pentagonal design, the tower has undergone multiple restorations over the centuries, most recently in 1935, preserving its historic charm.
Inside lies an 8-meter-deep dungeon ominously known as the “bottom of the tower,” once used to imprison captives. Surrounding Montale, large, primitive boulders stack together as early walls, remnants of San Marino’s second defensive barrier from the 13th century. While Montale is not open to the public, visitors admire its exterior and the ancient walls leading from the Second Tower to the old quarry’s parking lot.
We enjoyed waddling around the tower and especially enjoyed the breathtaking views of San Marino and Italy, even seeing the sea in the distance.
Second Tower: Fratta
The Second Tower is on the highest peak of Monte Titano, at 756 meters above sea level. It is also known as Cestaor Fratta. The name Cesta is believed to derive from its location on the second peak of Monte Titano.
Historically, “Cesta” could have referred to the shape of the peak or its use as a lookout, as the tower’s position made it ideal for surveillance. Alternatively, the name Fratta, often used interchangeably, may originate from an old Italian term meaning “fortif ed area” or “enclosure,” emphasizing the tower’s defensive purpose.
Built at the end of the 11th century with a pentagonal design, the tower originally served as a guardhouse and included prison cells. By the late 16th century, the tower had lost its strategic importance and had fallen into disuse. However 1930, during a wave of modernization and restoration inspired by the construction of the Rimini-San Marino railway, Cesta is brought back to life to attract visitors.
Today, the tower houses the Museum of Ancient Weapons, featuring a fascinating collection of over 535 items, including swords, firearms, bows, crossbows, and armor from the Middle Ages to the late 19th century. The larger collection, totaling over 1,550 pieces, is partially housed in Borgo Maggiore’s “Center for the Study of Arms.”
Practical Information
Tickets: €6.00 (combined with access to the First Tower)
Opening Hours:
- January 2 – June 6: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- June 7 – September 5: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- September 6 – December 31: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: January 1, afternoon of November 2, and December 25
We enjoyed the surroundings of the tower but didn’t go inside. However, the area is very well-kept and nice to hang around. We took a little break from the sun in the shadows before we continued to the last tower.
First Tower: Guaita fortress
The Guaita Tower, also known as the Rocca, stands directly on the mountain’s stone and without foundations. Dating back to the 11th century, it is one of the oldest fortresses and embodies the essence of San Marino’s heritage. Its name, “Guaita,” means “to stand guard” in the local dialect, reflecting its historic role as a protector of the republic.
Over the centuries, the tower undergoes multiple reinforcements and a significant rebuild in the late 15th century. In the 16th century, it was topped with a sloping roof, further solidifying its defensive strength. The fortress, surrounded by a double wall with battlements and corner towers, is a refuge for the people during sieges. Within its walls, the guardhouse and several rooms also function as a prison until 1970 for short-term sentences.
Highlights of the Guaita Tower include the Mastio, its innermost and oldest section, which remains unchanged over time, and the Chapel of St. Barbara, built in 1960 to honor the patron saint of artillerymen. You can also see historic artillery pieces displayed in the courtyard, including cannons and mortars.
A baroque stone coat of arms from the 1600s adorns the front door, adding a touch of elegance to its sturdy design.
Practical Information
Tickets: €6.00 for a combined ticket with the Second Tower or another monument, or €8.00 for a full ticket to all monuments.
- Opening Hours:
- January 2 – June 6: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- June 7 – September 5: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- September 6 – December 31: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: January 1, the afternoon of November 2, and December 25
The first tower was also for us, the only one we went inside. We bought tickets directly at the entrance and paid by card. You can then waddle around the premises and explore the rich history. We again soaked up the fantastic views before exploring the rest of San Marino.
Visiting the Three Towers of San Marino is like stepping into a storybook, where history, legends, and breathtaking views create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re admiring the ancient walls of Guaita, exploring the museum within Cesta, or admiring the strategic elegance of Montale from afar, these towers offer a glimpse into the soul of one of the world’s smallest and oldest republics.
As you waddle through the cobbled streets and winding trails of Monte Titano, you’ll feel the spirit of resilience and independence that defines San Marino. The towers await, standing guard over their nation and ready to inspire you.
Enjoy the exploration of the three towers and waddle on!
