Italy Travelogue (5/17) - Republic of San Marino
September 5, 2024 (Thursday)
On the Way to San Marino
On our way to the Republic of San Marino, we stopped at a roadside rest area. The rest stop had a variety of products for sale, as well as fresh bread and beverages.
During my time in Italy, I developed a love for espresso. Its rich, bold flavor was truly enjoyable. Adding a little sugar turned it into a sweet and aromatic delight.
I also tried freshly squeezed orange juice made from real fruit, which was absolutely refreshing.
Republic of San Marino
We arrived in the Republic of San Marino at 5 PM.
San Marino is a landlocked microstate completely surrounded by Italy. Although it’s the third smallest country in the world, it proudly maintains its independence. It has a council-based government led by captains regent, carrying on the traditions of the ancient Roman Republic.
San Marino is famous for its three fortresses, which are dramatically perched on cliffs. These fortresses were built to defend against invaders and ensure the nation’s security.
The National Flag and Fortresses
The three fortresses of San Marino are deeply symbolic. They appear on the national flag and coat of arms, representing the country’s history and resilience.
The fortresses are:
- Guaita Fortress (constructed in the 11th century)
- Cesta Fortress (constructed in the 13th century)
- Montale Fortress (constructed in the 14th century)
The path leading up to the fortresses is lined with restaurants, souvenir shops, and high-end boutiques. Along the way, vibrant flowers add charm to the picturesque scenery.
Bartolomeo Borghesi
While exploring, I came across a statue of Bartolomeo Borghesi (1781–1860). He was a renowned Italian historian and numismatist who gained fame for his study of ancient coins and inscriptions. Borghesi lived in San Marino, where his work greatly contributed to Italian archaeology.
Exploring San Marino
We visited the San Marino Cathedral and climbed up to Guaita Fortress. The fortress, perched high on a cliff, was designed to make it nearly impossible for invaders to penetrate. Together, the three fortresses formed a strategic system to protect the village below.
After touring the historic landmarks, we explored the local shops. I purchased sunglasses and a scarf, both at surprisingly affordable prices. The lower taxes here make shopping an attractive option—prices are almost half of what you’d find at duty-free shops.
Dinner at Ristorante Bolognese
After finishing our tour of the fortresses and main square, we dined at Ristorante Bolognese.
Via Basilicius, 28, 47890 Città di San Marino, San Marino
The restaurant featured menus in multiple languages, including Korean, displayed at the entrance.
We ordered drinks and a seafood pizza topped with cheese. The creamy richness of the cheese paired perfectly with the tender, flavorful shrimp. The freshly baked Italian pizza had a soft, delicate crust and a melt-in-your-mouth texture—a truly delightful meal.
Sunset in San Marino
As we left the city through its gates, we paused at a high vantage point to take in the stunning view. The sunset painted the sky in brilliant hues, creating an unforgettable scene.
One of the clouds resembled a flying dove—a magical and almost poetic sight, as beautiful as San Marino itself.
The golden glow of the sunset bathed the city in warm light, making it even more enchanting.
Overnight Stay at Point Hotel
After a memorable day in San Marino, we drove to Point Hotel for the night.
The hotel is located in Conselve, a small town in the Veneto region’s Padua Province, surrounded by industrial and commercial facilities.
Point Hotel Conselve
Viale dell'Industria, 2, 35026 Conselve PD, Italy
The four-star hotel was clean, spacious, and comfortable—a perfect place to rest after a day full of exploration.
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