San Marino

San Marino is an independent republic perched on Mount Titano, about 140 km (87 miles) south-east of Bologna, and is normally visited by train to Rimini and then a bus. Trains from Bologna Centrale reach Rimini in 55 minutes by fast service or 1h 40min by regional train, at roughly EUR 11-30 depending on service. From Rimini station, Bonelli Bus services climb to San Marino Citta in about 50 minutes for around EUR 5-6 one way, and timetables should be checked at bonellibus.it. In total the journey takes two to two and a half hours each way, so an early start is essential. The UNESCO-listed Historic Centre and Mount Titano are entered via a gate near Piazza della Liberta, where the Palazzo Pubblico, the seat of government, is the main building and a changing of the guard takes place at set times in season. Three medieval towers, Guaita, Cesta and Montale, are linked by a ridge path with views reaching the Adriatic on clear days; Guaita and Cesta are open to visitors, while Montale is generally closed. The streets are lined with souvenir and duty-free shops, and visitors often collect a commemorative passport stamp at the tourist office for a small fee. A suggested one-day arc is the 08:00 train from Bologna, the bus up by late morning, the Palazzo Pubblico and the towers before lunch, and an unhurried stroll with a local meal of piadina or tagliatelle before heading down in the late afternoon. Euros are used. April to October offers the clearest views, whereas fog and cold are likely in winter. The steep climb between the towers and the cobbles make comfortable shoes important. Driving via the A14 and SS72 takes about 1h 40min but parking in the old town is limited.