A day in San Marino, 23 June

Belisama is safely in the Marina of Rimini and we take advantage of one non-sunny day to explore the countryside around, and in particular, the Republic of San Marino, 10 km away from Rimini. It is the fifth smallest country in the world (61 sq km). It claims to be the world's oldest republic, founded on September 3, 301 AD, by a Christian stonemason named Marinus. 

View of the Republic of San Marino and watchtower 1 from watchtower 2

But a day in San Marino is worth the visit as it has a lot to offer...

The Republic is centred around the Monte Titano (749 m) in the Apennine mountain range. The architecture of the historical part is medieval and most of it is only pedestrian. Tourism is the main activity, with lots of museums, an incredible watchtowers system to explore on the ramparts of the city, but to be avoided by people sensitive to height sickness!

Main commercial street in the centre of the historical centre in San Marino

Here you can find the usual souvenirs, along with numerous luxury shops (watches, perfumes...) as the city is tax free. Strangely enough, there are a whole host of gun shops in the town, perhaps linked to its medieval past and fortifications, but also to the fact that San Marino has distinguished itself in shooting at international competitions and the Olympic Games.

One of the many souvenir shops in San Marino

The views along the line of ramparts are very impressive and breathtaking. But they have to be earned, as the gradient is quite steep. Apple Health will confirm that I completed 17,500 steps today and climbed 27 flights of stairs, all in humid sub-tropical heat! 

View of the watchtower 2 from the guard path on the ramparts of San Marino

 

View of Emile Romagnie's countryside from the watchtower on the ramparts of San Marino

By the way, the Tour de France 2024, will kick off on 29 June in Florence, with a leg that will take it to Rimini, via San Marino! Unfortunately (or fortunately :-)), I will no longer be in Rimini by the end of the week as I am planning a solo crossing of the Adriatic, back to Pula on Tuesday night 25, to prepare the pool and the house ahead of the season that will see lots of visitors visiting...