The castle, San Marino

There are 8 more places in this country, the famous San Marino Castles: Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano, Fiorentino, Montegiardino and Serravalle. They are scattered on the surrounding hills and valleys.

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Rocca Montale is the third and smallest tower at the eastern side of Monte Titano. Like the second tower, it was built in the 13th century. During a conflict with the Malatesta of Rimini, it played an important role. The tower is in a bad shape and not open for public. You can admire this pentagonal building from outside and enjoy the view from its base.

This tower from the 13th century stands on the highest point of Monte Titano and so also the highest point of San Marino. Rocca della Fratta (or Rocca Cesta) is smaller than the first one, containing mainly the museum of old arms (Museo delle Armi Antiche) and the tower itself. I have to admit that I am not very interested in seeing how people killed each other a couple of centuries before, so that I quickly rushed trouhg this museum. The main point for visiting this place is the view – and if you buy the combi-ticket together with the first tower, it is also affordable.

Entry fee is 3,00 EUR, but there is also a combi-ticket which is valid for the 1st and second tower for 4,50 EUR (April 2006).

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The eastern flank of Monte Titano was guarded by three towers with different names. However, they are often just called first, second and third tower – from north to south and with decreasing size. So the most northern and largest one is the Rocca Guaita. This tower with a small fort was built in the 11th century and changed to the needs of the small state during the centuries. A hand full of small buildings in the fort can be visited, inclduing a chapel dedicated to St. Barbara. Rocca Guaita was once the see of many governmental, mostly military institutions. Part of it was also used as a prison until 1970 and one of the cells can still be visited. One of the towers in this fortress is open for public and you can climb it up via a ladder which leads through a very tight hole. Try to leave your bag and other stuff with someone else downstairs – I am a skinny person and barely fitted through the hole with my backpack. Today, it’s one of San Marino’s most popular tourist attractions. The view from it, as well as from the two other towers is just incredible.

Entry fee is 3,00 EUR, but there is also a combi-ticket which is valid for the 1st and second tower for 4,50 EUR (April 2006).

The second tower or Cesta is built on the highest point of Mount Titano, 755 metres above sea level, and is situated halfway along the panoramic path that connects all three fortresses. It dates back to the 13th century by being mentioned in a document from 1253. In 1956 the tower became the seat of the Museum of Ancient Arms where over 700 exhibits of alltypes of ancient armour and weapons are now displayed.

Open: 8:50am-5pm Oct-Mar, 8am-8pm Apr-Sept. Admission: € 3,00 / € 4,50 allows also to visit 1st tower.

The first tower or Guaita, out of the three castles that guard San Marino's hill-top presence, was once a former watch post and shelter of the early inhabitants of Mount Titano. The central part of the fortress dates back to the 10th-11th centuries making it one of the most ancient fortifications in Italy. After having been the seat of various military institutions, some of its cells were used as a state prison from the second half of the 18th century right up to 1970.

Open: 8:50am-5pm Oct-Mar, 8am-8pm Apr-Sept. Admission: € 3,00 / € 4,50 allows also to visit 2nd tower.

Palazzo Pubblico host a huge variety of ceremonies and events during the year and is the seat of the main istitutional and administrative organs as i Capitani Reggenti, Il Consiglio Grande e Generale, ll Congresso di Stato and Il Consiglio dei XII. When I visit San Marino, Palazzo Pubblico was hosting an exposition of sculptures by Nicoli studios. For the sculptures lovers I put the lik below:

Nicoli

Palazzo Pubblico is situated at the top of the "hill" where the inhabitants of San Marino decided to build The Rocca. Just in front of Palazzo Pubblico you can havea break and relax yourself, walking around this square where you will find lots of cafè or shops in general. You can simply stop there for few minutes, and consider it as the prize after your efforts o join the top!! Plus, from there, you an have a wonderful panorama.