The Palazzo Pubblico, the Basilica of the Saint, the Guaita and Cesta Towers and shopping in the historic centre.
The world's oldest republic, founded according to tradition in 301 by a stonemason, Marino. The historic centre and Mount Titano have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008: medieval streets, towers on the rocky ridge and views that on clear days stretch from the Adriatic to the Apennines.
Times are a guide: driving times are worked out without traffic, then come the visits and ten minutes at every stop to park. In summer towards the coast and at rush hour allow extra time.
The Palazzo Pubblico, in neo-Gothic style, was completed in 1894 to a design by Francesco Azzurri and is the seat of government: the Capitani Reggenti, the two heads of state who change every six months. In front stands the Statue of Liberty in white marble. In the warmer months, at set times, the changing of the Guardia di Rocca in green and red uniform.
Interior visit with State Museums ticket.
A grand neoclassical church from 1838, with a pronao of Corinthian columns. It houses the relics of San Marino, founder and patron saint of the Republic.
Free admission.
The oldest and most famous of the three towers, from the 11th century, built on sheer rock. It was used as a prison until 1970. You can walk along the crenellated walls and climb the turret: the view is the finest in the Republic.
State Museums ticket (combined with the Cesta).
From the Guaita to the Cesta you follow the Passo delle Streghe, a path along the mountain ridge. The Cesta stands on the highest peak of Mount Titano, at about 750 metres, and houses the Museum of Ancient Weapons, with armour, swords and crossbows from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
Path with steps: comfortable shoes.
The streets of the centre are full of shops: liqueurs, perfumes, ceramics, souvenirs and the stamps and coins of San Marino beloved by collectors. Try the torta Tre Monti, wafer and chocolate with the design of the three towers.
How long it takes from each town, the drive back included. Tap a town to see the plan from there.
Almost every old town has a limited traffic zone (ZTL) with cameras: park outside and walk in. The fine reaches your home, abroad too. ZTL and car parks town by town
Romagna Transfer picks you up at your hotel, drops you in front of every stop and brings you back: no parking, no ZTL, and the wine is yours to enjoy.
San Vitale, Galla Placidia, the Neonian Baptistery, Dante's Tomb and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, all on foot in the centre
4 h 30 from Bellaria-Igea Marina Half day
The plan
The Mausoleum of Theodoric, the Classis museum and Sant'Apollinare in Classe, driving from one stop to the next.
4 h 35 from Bellaria-Igea Marina Half day
The plan
The International Museum of Ceramics, the squares, the Cathedral, Palazzo Milzetti and a ceramicist's workshop.
5 h 10 from Bellaria-Igea Marina Half day
The plan
The Via degli Asini, the Rocca, the Clock Tower, the Pieve del Thò and an oil tasting.
5 h 15 from Bellaria-Igea Marina Half day
The plan
The elliptical Piazza Nuova, the Pieve di San Pietro in Sylvis, the Rocca di Lugo, the Pavaglione and Francesco Baracca.
5 h 50 from Bellaria-Igea Marina Half day
The plan
The Cervia salt pans, the Salt Warehouse, Cesenatico's canal harbour with its historic boats.
4 h 40 from Bellaria-Igea Marina Half day
The plan
A boat trip through the Valli, the Trepponti, the Manifattura dei Marinati and the Museo Delta Antico.
6 h 45 from Bellaria-Igea Marina Full day
The plan
The Rocca Sforzesca in Imola, the Senna memorial at the racing circuit, the painted walls and the Regional Wine Library of Dozza.
5 h 20 from Bellaria-Igea Marina Half day
The plan
The Este Castle, the Cathedral, the Palazzo dei Diamanti and Via delle Volte.
6 h 30 from Bellaria-Igea Marina Long half day
The planTrips written by our editors from the facts of our monument pages and the official sites. Opening days and hours change: the note under every place tells you what to check before you leave. No prices: you find them on the museums' sites.
