San Marino, this ancient republic had long fascinated us both, so we trundled our cases down to Ravenna railway station, took the slow train to Rimini and then caught a bus outside Bonaparte Hotel that took us 12km inland toward towering cliffs and medieval forts of the Republic of San Marino. The winding road uphill was a sheer drop that the driver skillfully avoided, whistling as he dodged narrow gaps.
We were dropped at Bus Park on the other side of mountain and walked under the 1st Roman arch linked to turreted wall and splendid views of rolling hills and villages below. As we walked up the main street lined with shops selling luxury items, we found the Tourist Info. Here we learnt the location of the Basilica di S. Marius: very large, with clear references to the Virgin Mary and we also learnt the history of Marino: he and his friend Leo fled invaers and arrived from Rab Island in Croatiain 300AD – fleeing invaders. As a stone-mason, he built the 1st church and, many invasions later, with the emergence of Emperor Constantine – Christianity took a foothold in San Marino. In 1300, San Marino began its recognition as a Republic with an area of 60km2 – one of the oldest in the world!
Close by was the Public Palace – the seat of Administration where 45 members, representing 8 districts, are led by 2 Regents – who are replaced every 6 months! However, the House was in session so we could not enter. So, we walked to the Coin & Stamp Museum where we both recalled San Marino stamps in our separate collections and learnt much history of San Marino. Nearby, we noticed many shops in narrow alleyways: jewelry, perfume, handbags, sunglasses and firearms!
Although cloudy, we walked to the 2nd Tower, Guaita. It began drizzling but this did not deter our enjoyment of spectacular views of sheer cliffs down towards Rimini. I did some sketching while Ken walked to 3rd Tower and as it got colder, I decided to walk back to hotel reception to wait for Ken. He appeared later and was glad I had not fallen off a cliff!
19/03/2024
On our second day, we set off for the State Museum with many early Egyptian-Greco-Roman items, also history of San Marino Republic, including paintings.
We then walked to S. Francis Museum Cloister adjacent to St. Francis Church – built in 1361 by Comacio master craftsmen. Here was a moving portrait of St. Francis with 2 birds and also 2 fine frescoes from 1300s: one with cat in foreground, with 2 kids playing instruments.
We walked to Tower No. 2 – very impressive crenellated towers and entrance – of Rocca Guaita Tower: arms, suits of armor, as well as an impressive collection of all firearms, visors of heavy metal. However, I was drawn to the entrance to the tower and climbed stairs: very impressive views over yards, turrets, crenellated walls….did a quick sketch…then took a photo of Ken in the Tower, when I reached exit!
4pm. We walked to Tower No 1 (Cesta), again saw it was consecrated to Santa Barbara and then walked on in bright sunshine toward Tower No.3. Since it was the longest wall defending S. Marino – many stones were used for building houses.
