San Marino and Surroundings

Find out what to do during your holiday in our campsite and village in San Marino

We are in a truly unique place in the world: a small republic declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In this magical corner, there is always something to discover and experience: in an instant, you can reach the sea, stroll through the charming inland villages, or immerse yourself in the wonders and curiosities of San Marino, enjoying history, culture, and breathtaking views.

What to visit in San Marino

Palazzo Pubblico (Public Palace)

Also called Government Palace, this building is the fulcrum of the official ceremonies of the Republic of San Marino and is home to the main institutional and administrative bodies of San Marino: the Captain Regents, the Great and General Council, the Council of XII and the State Congress. In summer, every 30 minutes, it is possible to witness the changing of the guard.

The Three Towers

Guaita, the first tower, is the oldest and is the only one that has remained unchanged over time.
Inside is located the chapel dedicated to Santa Barbara (protector of the Artillerymen) and the possibility of visiting the ancient prisons dating back to the second half of the 13th century.
Cesta, the second tower, located on the highest peak, 756 meters above sea level, houses the Museum of Ancient Weapons which includes approximately 535 objects dating back to various eras between the Middle Ages and the end of the 19th century.
Montale, the third tower, is the "smallest" in size, but it played a strategic role for the defense: it is in fact placed in the best position for the lookout, it is not open to the public for visits and can only be admired from the outside .

Basilica del Santo and the church of San Pietro

It is the main sacred building of Catholic worship and preserves the relics of Saint Marino, patron and founder of the San Marino community at the origins.
On the right of the Basilica is the small church of San Pietro, from the 16th century, remodeled around 1826. It is accessed through the sacristy via a staircase created in the bell tower of the main Basilica.

Crossbowmen’s Quarry (Cava dei Balestieri)

Historical landmark of the city, easily visited because it is located a stone's throw from the cable car stop.
Its initial use (in the last twenty years of the 19th century) was as a quarry for the recovery of materials and for the extraction of the stone necessary for the restoration of the nearby Palazzo Pubblico. From the 1960s onwards this area is equipped for shooting with the large Italian crossbow, an ancient game of arms which is today part of the historical recovery and folklore of the Republic of San Marino.

State Museum

The museum includes archaeological collections from the area, works of art linked to the history and myth of the Republic and a section dedicated to donated works.

National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art

It has more than 1000 works, dating back to the period between the first decades of the 20th century up to today.
These are paintings, drawings, watercolours, sculptures, photographs acquired by donation or through the "purchase premium" formula, purchased or commissioned directly from the artists.

Stamp and Coin Museum

Located in the premises of the former Philatelic and Numismatic Office, 700 m2 which enclose a journey that spans the last few centuries, from the second half of the 19th century to the present day and tells the story of the Republic of San Marino through philatelic issues and numismatics.

San Francesco Art Gallery Museum

Housed in the former Franciscan convent and inaugurated in 1966, it consists of two sections: sacred art and art gallery. It is possible to admire works from the artistic heritage of the Convent and other Franciscan churches, paintings on wood and canvas, a precious fresco and vestments from the 14th to the 18th century.
Verucchio
Montebello
San Leo
Gradara
Urbino
Ravenna

The cities of art to visit around San Marino

Verucchio (6,5 km)

Verucchio is a charming medieval village in the Rimini area, perched on an impressive rock where the power of the Malatesta family began.
Included among the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy, Verucchio is home to a wonderful Malatesta-era castle, preserving centuries of history and legends.
It was here that Mastin Vecchio, founder of the Malatesta dynasty, was born, and he is even mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy. A place that blends history, charm, and timeless atmosphere, perfect to explore step by step.


Montebello (13 km)

Montebello is an ancient medieval village perched on a cliff, dominated by the famous Azzurrina Castle.
Once home to the feudal family of Montebello, the castle holds the legendary story of Azzurrina, the daughter of Uguccione di Montebello, who mysteriously disappeared on June 21, 1375.
Today, the castle is known for the ghost of Azzurrina, said to wander through its ancient walls. Here, you can immerse yourself in the legend, listening to the original recordings of rain, thunder, and the cries of the missing girl, for a truly unique and unforgettable experience.


San Leo (22 km)

San Leo, included among “The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy” and awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club, is a jewel of art and history, even mentioned by Dante Alighieri in the Divine Comedy. As the heart of the historic Montefeltro region, the village has given its name to the surrounding territory.
This small medieval village is dominated by a majestic Roman fortress with a striking military character. In 1631, the castle was transformed into a prison, and within its walls the famous alchemist Cagliostro was imprisoned and died, adding an air of mystery and legend that fascinates every visitor.


Gradara (39 Km)

The Rocca of Gradara and its Fortified Village are among the best-preserved medieval structures in the Marche and all of Italy. The two impressive defensive walls, the outermost stretching nearly 800 meters, make the fortress truly majestic and imposing.

Gradara, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy, is home to a splendid Malatesta fortress, one of the most visited sites in the region. Here took place the romantic and tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca, made famous by Dante in the Divine Comedy, adding to the village a unique charm, steeped in history, legend, and timeless atmosphere.


Urbino (49 km)

Adorned with sandstone buildings and surrounded by an extensive brick city wall, Urbino is a city of extraordinary historical and artistic wealth, the heart of the Italian Renaissance. Its historic center, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a true gem to explore.
Must-see sights: the Ducal Palace with works by Raphael, Titian, and Piero della Francesca, the National Gallery of the Marche, the Lapidary Archaeological Museum, Raphael’s birthplace, the Cathedral, the Albornoz Fortress, and numerous historic oratories and churches.
Urbino is a place where art, history, and breathtaking views come together, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.


Ravenna (65 km)

Ravenna, the mosaic capital, is a city that blends centuries of history: Roman, Gothic, Byzantine, medieval, and contemporary. With eight UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Ravenna is where the art of mosaics reached its highest expression, creating a fascinating mix of symbolism, realism, and Roman and Byzantine influences.
Must-see sights: the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Neonian Baptistery, the Arian Baptistery, the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo and Sant’Apollinare in Classe, the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Theodoric, the Archiepiscopal Chapel of Sant’Andrea, Dante Alighieri’s Tomb, and the Crypt of the Basilica of San Francesco.
A city of art with a millennia-old history, Ravenna captivates with its spectacular mosaics and unique monuments, offering a journey into timeless beauty.


Attractions

For adults and children, San Marino and its surroundings offer many possibilities, between adventure and adrenaline.
Like San Marino Adventure, an adventure park with routes of varying difficulty, located among the green of the trees.
Do not miss Italia in Miniatura in Rimini, a place full of wonder for children who can get to know the most famous Italian and European cities from a privileged point of view.
Then again, Aquafan, the water park in Riccione, one of the most famous water parks in Italy.
To get to know nature and animals, the Oltremare park in Riccione is perfect, also for spending a day with the family. It is a theme and training park where you can meet dolphins, birds of prey and many other animals from the world.
You can also discover the wonder of the sea at the Aquarium in Cattolica, a large aquarium that collects fantastic mammals and fish as well as reptiles, such as snakes and amphibians.
Finally, fun and adrenaline find their home in large amusement parks such as Fiabilandia in Rimini and the famous Mirabilandia in Ravenna, easily accessible from San Marino.

Food and wine culture and shopping

Ours is a territory that has a lot to offer also from a culinary point of view.
From the discovery of typical local products, such as Piadina Romagnola IPG, combined with local cheeses such as Squaquerone di Romagna DOP, to typical wines such as Sangiovese, Trebbiano or Albana: every moment in San Marino and Romagna is a journey also gustatory.
The Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori di Rimini (road of wines and flavours) organizes specialized tours to discover the unique excellences of our territory.
Experiences of tastings in the cellar, tastings of the precious Evo oil and local cured meats, some products from indigenous breeds such as the Mora Romagnola, are possibilities that enrich the journey with flavour and beauty.
If you want more information, we are available to show you all the best possibilities!