Three Towers of San Marino

The Three Towers of San Marino stand on the three summits of Monte Titano, the limestone ridge that rises to 739 metres a short distance from the Adriatic coast and carries the whole of the tiny republic's capital on its back. Seen from the plain below, the towers line the crest like a crown. They are the country's emblem, appearing on both the flag and the coat of arms, and since 2008 they have been part of the World Heritage Site of the historic centre and Mount Titano.

The first tower, the Guaita, is the oldest, begun in the 11th century and reworked many times; it served as a watchtower and, for a long period, as a prison, and its ramparts and walkways give the most dramatic views over the valleys and towards the sea. From it the Passo delle Streghe, the Witches' Pass, runs along the crest to the second tower, the Cesta, built in the 13th century on the highest point of the mountain where a Roman fort once stood. The Cesta now houses a museum of arms with more than 1,500 weapons, from medieval pieces to modern firearms.

The third tower, the Montale, on the smallest of the three peaks, dates from the 14th century and was part of the republic's defences against the Malatesta lords of Rimini. It is not open to the public, but the walk along the ridge to its foot completes the set. Its only entrance is set about seven metres above the ground, a common feature of medieval towers used as prisons. Seen together from the path, the three towers explain better than any history why San Marino kept its independence for so long.

Getting there

The towers rise above the historic centre of the City of San Marino. The nearest airport is Federico Fellini International Airport (RMI) at Rimini, about 16 km away. Buses run daily from Rimini railway station to the old town in under an hour, and a cable car climbs from Borgo Maggiore to the centre in about two minutes. From the centre, paths lead up to the Guaita and along the ridge to the other towers.