San Marino (or Repubblica di San Marino) is the 3rd smallest state of Europe, after the Vatican and Monaco. Enclosed within Italy, the state counts with a little more than 30,000 citizens (including 5,000 foreigners). It is an integral part of the historic Montefeltro area. It is a small fortified town on top of a hill with a medieval ambience. There is a small university and many museums, the most important of which is the State Museum which is located in the Pergami Belluzzi Palace; it houses thousands of rooms that allow us to know the history of the republic which has become a place highly appreciated by tourism. The state has no natural resources.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes because the paths and streets are sloping. If you want to visit the 2 towers which are the main tourist attraction of the republic, you can do it in a half day. There is a path that connects the towers but you do not have to wear heels because the towers are 750 meters and the slopes are marked. At the top, you will have an excellent view of the surroundings.
If you like photography, San Marino is a place where you will be glad but if your visit is just passing from one to another Italian city, take at least the time to stay until sunset because your view and your photos will be breathtaking. If ancient weapons interest you, go to the building called Second Tower where you will find the Museum of Ancient Arms exhibiting more than 1500 pieces that go from the fifteenth to the seventeenth century. Another interesting museum is the Museum of Wax and Torture Instruments. It has more than 40 historical scenes and a hundred remarkable characters. There is a special section devoted to melodrama as well as to all the instruments of torture of the time.
