The Stalwart Guardian of the Oldest Republic - The Three Towers of San Marino

The Three Towers of San Marino are the symbol of this tiny country, standing tall on the peaks of Monte Titano for centuries. They have witnessed how the world's oldest and smallest constitutional republic has survived the ravages of Napoleon, World War I, and World War II, continuing to exist on the war-torn European continent for nearly four hundred years. As the fifth smallest country in the world, San Marino itself holds an inexplicable strong attraction for me. I can say that this trip was made specifically for San Marino. Like most microstates, the only way in and out of San Marino is by road, which perhaps adds a touch of mystery. As I got closer to San Marino, the road had to zigzag up a series of steep hills, and just when I thought I had reached the top, I was stunned by the towering peak of Monte Titano beside me. The city of San Marino sits atop this mountain, and one can imagine how it has remained isolated for hundreds of years. When I finally entered the ancient city, I was somewhat disappointed. Contrary to my expectations, I couldn't feel a strong historical atmosphere; instead, there were many touristy shops. Moreover, it started to rain heavily later, and the view of the main attraction, the Three Towers of San Marino, was obscured by clouds and mist. Fortunately, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as I got to see the Three Towers of San Marino shrouded in a dreamy mist, giving it a surreal feel reminiscent of the Castle in the Sky. Transportation: You can buy round-trip bus tickets to San Marino at the information desk inside Rimini train station. The bus stop is on the roadside opposite the train station, with buses running approximately every 60-90 minutes. The journey takes about 50 minutes. After getting off at the final stop, you just need to climb up the mountain to reach the first of the Three Towers. Tips: If you collect passport stamps, you can bring your passport to the tourist center. For €5, you can get a stamp, which is a unique little souvenir from San Marino.