Travel, Wine & Shoes

Nestled within Italy, there is another country!  What?  The Republic of San Marino is only 61 sq kms and has a population just over 30K.  The capital, the City of San Marino, is located on top of Monte Titano, which is a mountain in the Apennines.  The city itself has a population of 4,000 folks.

Founded by Saint Marinus in 301, it was a refuge for Christians fleeing Roman persecution.  The Three Towers are located on the peaks of Monte Titano and protected the city.

• First Tower:  The Guaita is the oldest and most famous of the three towers.  It was constructed in the 11th century and was a prison.
• Second Tower:  The Cesta is located on the highest of Monte Titano’s summits and contains a museum to honour Saint Marinus.  Created in 1956, it contains over 1,550 weapons dating from the Medieval Era to the modern day.
• Third Tower:  The Montale is located on the smallest of Monte Titano’s summits and is not open to the public. Built in the 14th century, it was also used as a prison and the only entrance to the tower is a door about seven metres from ground level.

A bus from Rimini will take you into San Marino.  As usual, I was having a wonderful hair day.

The views from my room were wonderful.  I fell asleep with the curtains and windows wide open and woke up to the church bells.

Wandering the streets of San Marino was a joy and a pleasure.

The Public Palace is the City Hall and the government building.  The Statua della Liberta is in front and was donated in 1876.

Completed in 1838, the Basilica di San Marino is a Catholic Church.  Next to it is the Church of St. Peter.  Earlier churches on the same spot dedicated to Saint Marino date back to the 4th century.

Statues

Breathtaking views, sipping wine and enjoying a great meal at the Nido del Falco restaurant.

I had a little bit of fun pretending to be Peter Pan and taking pictures of my shadow.

I love my ice cream!  I walked by 3 older ladies who were enjoying one and peer pressure set in so I had to have one too.  I was standing near them savoring mine and the one lady moved over giving me room to sit down on the bench.  They did not speak English and I’m not sure what language they spoke, but thank you for including me!  I hope in another 30 years I’m still travelling and enjoying ice cream.

I tried mulled wine.

More wandering!

I had the best time in San Marino!

I left San Marino the same way I arrived – on the bus.  On my way to the Eternal City of Rome!

Happy Travels

San Marino