Three Towers of San Marino (Torri di San Marino)
The Three Towers of San Marino are ancient fortresses rising on the three peaks of Monte Titano in the capital of the Republic, the city of San Marino. The medieval buildings are considered the main symbols of the small state and are depicted on its coat of arms, flag and on the euro coins minted in San Marino.
Highlights
During the Middle Ages, the city was surrounded by three rows of fortress walls. As residential development grew, they were demolished, and only sections of the fortifications and three stone towers erected between the 11th and 14th centuries remain. Standing on the peaks of the fortresses, there are magnificent views of San Marino and its picturesque surroundings.
.Travelers can only access the Guaita and Cesta towers. Viewing of the Montale tower is limited. Since 1956, Chesta has been home to the Museum of Ancient Arms, which houses a collection of 700 objects. The museum’s halls display military armor, crossbows, bows, spears and firearms from the Middle Ages to the end of the 19th century.
.The towers of San Marino are open: from January to early June, from also mid-September to the end of December – from 9.00 to 17.00, from early June to mid-September – from 8.00 to 20.00. For an entrance ticket to one tower you have to pay 3 € and to two towers 4.50 €.
.Guaita
.The history of the oldest and most famous of San Marino’s three towers began in the 11th century. Guaita was built without foundations, on a monolithic rock. When the enemy attacked, the population of the city hid inside the tower. The enemies were confronted by massive double walls and loopholes, from which the defenders of the fortifications fired at the attackers.
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The medieval tower was rebuilt several times, and its final form was in the 15th century. Until 1970, Guaita served as a prison, but the convicts were held there for only a few months.
The inner wall of the fortress was built in the center of the tower.
The inner wall of the fortress is bounded by a pinnacle tower and a bell tower erected in the 12th century. To the entrance of Guaita, travelers ascend a staircase protected by a wooden structure that was built in the second half of the 15th century.
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In the courtyard of the tower, ancient guns – two 75mm cannons and two mortars – are installed. These are not just museum pieces. During national celebrations, the Guardsmen fire blank shells from all the guns.
.Chesta
On the main peak of Monte Titano, rising 755 meters above sea level, stands the Cesta Tower, also called Fratta or Seconda Torre. It appeared in the middle of the 13th century. A fragment of a fortified wall, built at the same time as the tower itself, leads from Cesta to the parking lot.
.For several centuries inside the ancient fortress were prison premises, and part of the building was occupied by soldiers of the military garrison. At the end of the 16th century, the tallest of San Marino’s three towers was abandoned, but in the 1930s it was restored to be used as a tourist attraction.
Montale
The smallest of San Marino’s three towers rises on the lowest peak of Monte Titano. It was built in the 14th century on a pentagonal base and is surrounded by sheer cliffs that form a sort of protective wall around the fortress. Despite its size, Montale played a major role in the defense of the city. It has been rebuilt many times, the last time being in 1935.
.There used to be a prison inside Montale, deepened by 8 meters. Nowadays, the ancient fortress is closed and can only be viewed from the outside.
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How to get there
The three towers of San Marino are 20 km away from the Adriatic coast and are located on the northeastern outskirts of the city. Guaita is located on Salita alla Rocca and Cesta is located on Salita alla Cesta. From the center of San Marino, Guaita is an easy 10-minute walk. Cesta is reached by a scenic path over the cliff on the crest of the cliff.
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