San Marino is a small, landlocked country located high in Italy’s Apennine range.
The city, known locally as Città, is 749 m (2,457 ft) above sea level.
The city dates from 301CE when a stonemason named Marinus from the island of Rab (now Croatia) founded a monastery on the ridge of Mount Titano.
It is said to be the oldest sovereign state with the earliest written governing documents. The mountainous location has helped the country survive as a republic throughout the centuries.
The three towers, Torri di San Marino, are a group of medieval defensive towers located on the three highest points of Monte Titano.
The public can enter two of the towers (Guaita and Cesta). The third tower (Montale) is closed to visitors.
There is more to the city than the towers and the views.
As tourism is one of the country’s main sources of revenue, the shops will lure you in to sample local items or purchase quality products.
Many products have a lower tax rate, so shopping is very attractive.
Read about our visit to the world’s fifth-smallest country here—the Republic of San Marino is the Perfect Romantic Getaway.