Every tourist destination has it’s attractions. However, because every tourist is different, these attractions have greater or lesser value. In this series Gary’s gives his reasons for traveling to a particular place. Hopefully some of his thoughts will entice you to consider adding this particular place to your itinerary. The entire series is being categorized under the heading, “Spotlights.” You may find more about these locations in the archives of this website, under headings such as, “Great Places,” “Things to Do in,” “Best of,” “Top 10” and “Places of a Lifetime.” In addition, there may be “Walking Tours” of these places available for purchase on the website for the low price of $1.49 each.

San Marino is an almost Disneyesque republic, contained entirely within Italy’s borders. The main city, San Marino, sits, imposingly, high on a ridge and is well fortified with walls and towers. Include San Marino in your Italian adventure for at least the following reasons:

1. The Tre Castelli (Three Castles) are a prominent part of the city’s fortifications.

One of the Tre Castelli

2. The third and most remote of San Marino’s castles, Rocca Montale, is not open to the public.

Rocca Montale

3. San Marino’s City Hall makes an excellent starting point for a walking tour of the city.

City Palace, San Marino