I had to visit San Marino on a trip to Italy. In San Marino there are 3 towers of which you could visit 2. They are really great to photograph and there are also nice views! At one tower there is a museum with old weapons and other military items.
More info at-
http://michaelwtravels.blogspot.com/2011/11/one-of-towers-of-san-marino.html
Written Nov 11, 2011
The oldest military formation within the Republic is the Corps of Crossbowmen. It appears that there is written evidence of their existence, in a document dated 7 February 1339. However it appears that there is earlier evidence dated 1295 (legal statutes).
The crossbowmen were formed to defend the Republic, and never failed to do this! Their abilities became well known and they were asked to help neighbouring allies from time to time.
They continue to exist and continue to be known for their accuracy and skill in modern day competitions. Every year there is a festival which also includes flag whirling acrobats.
The Corps of Crossbowmen numbers 80 active members at this time. They are appreciated by everyone even when they are practising.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
The First Tower (Guaita or Rocca) is the oldest and major Fortress of the Republic. It was built in the 11th century; and has been restored and renovated at different times since it was first constructed. This is one of the oldest military fortifications in San Marino and Italy.
The most recent renovation was carried out in 1930 and it has been open to the public since then.
Buy the combined ticket for the First and Second towers.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Via Salita alla Rocca - San Marino
Phone: http://www.museidistato.sm/Museo
The Church was built in the 16th Century; on the site of an older chapel devoted to St Quirino. It is described in many books and guides as being "simple and poor in works of art" but this gives it a feeling of peace.
In July 1849, the church hosted the soldiers' of Giuseppe Garibaldi after the fall of the Republic of Rome. In fact Garibaldi, from the Church's open gallery, dissolved the 1st Roman Legion, and then assigned his flag to the Government of the Republic.
In the square in front of the church, there stands the Monument to St Francis. It was inaugurated in 1928.
Written Jul 3, 2010
Address: Via del Cappuccini, San Marino
Phone: 0549 99 11 61
Website: http://www.sanmarinosite.com/eng/capp.html
The current Basilica was built at the beginning of the 19th Century, it was constructed on the foundations of a pre-existing church dating back to the 5th or 6th century AD. The original church had been the local parish church.
The basilica was a creation of Antonio Serra. The works started in 1826 and finished 1838. It was consecrated in 1855; it was not until 1926 that the Pope (Pius XI) made it a Basilica Minor. The church is home to a wealth of paintings and sculptures, and the bones of the Saint are in an urn housed in the high altar.
NOTE: You are not permitted to take photographs inside the Basilica. However I seem to have missed the signage until I left the basilica. In addition staff will stop you from doing this, I missed that too.
Written Jun 27, 2010
Address: Piazza Domus Plebis, San Marino
Phone: 0549 88 23 80
Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Marinus
The museum is comprised of 4 rooms and brings together a collection of arms of all descriptions dating from the middle ages up to the beginning of the 1900s.
The Museum is within the Cesta Fortress; so do visit it too.
Updated Jun 24, 2010
Address: Via Salita alla Cesta - San Marino
Phone: 0549 99 12 95
Website: http://www.museidistato.sm/Museo_trad/mtc/2torre_2museo-armi-antiche.htm
The Third Tower (Montale) The year of the tower's construction is unknown - and it is thought that this was used as a look out during the wars with the Malatesta family. The tower has a pentagonal base and the opening is several metres above the ground. It fell into disrepair but was restored in 1743.
The walk to the tower is pleasant and the views wonderful. There is no fee nor contact details for this unmanned attraction.
Written Jun 24, 2010
Website: http://www.museidistato.sm/Museo_trad/index.htm
The Second Tower (Cesta or Fratta) was built in the 13th century. As with the Guaita Fortress this towwer has seen several renovations and it has now retained it's orginal charm.
Visit the Museum with in the tower.
Written Jun 24, 2010
Address: Via Salita alla Cesta - San Marino
Phone: 0549 99 12 95
Website: http://www.museidistato.sm/Museo_trad/mtc/index.htm
Over many centuries the three fortresses of San Marino, have looked down from Mount Titano and defended the freedom and independence of the Republic of San Marino. The towers were never taken by storm, and in fact they fell into neglect due to the negligence of the population itself. They used the stones to build their own homes and businesses.
At the start of the 20th century, national spirits were revived and they started the restoration works, which finished towards the end of the century. The newly restored towers can be seen from the sea; they attract many millions of visitors to the Republic each year.
Written Jun 20, 2010
I was not sure what to expect - especially as it was billed as a unique and world famous museum. More than 100 instruments of torture from around the world.
Hours may vary; check their website for details.
They do not permit photography inside the museum.
Updated Jun 20, 2010
Address: Lato Porta San Francesco - San Marino Città
Phone: 0549 991215
Website: http://www.sanmarinosite.com/eng/museotortura.html
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