Activity San Marino

San Marino's Three Towers: An Audio Tour of the Ancient Republic

5.0 (2 reviews) one hour – 1 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

2 reviews

5.0

San Marino's Three Towers: An Audio Tour of the Ancient Republic — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

San Marino's Three Towers: An Audio Tour of the Ancient Republic, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

San Marino is the world’s oldest and smallest republic, a remarkable city-state that’s maintained its independence for more than seventeen centuries. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll hear fascinating stories about this ancient place, from its legendary founding by Saint Marino in 301 CE, to its role as a sanctuary for refugees and rebels throughout history. This hour-long tour begins at the historic Porta San Francesco, the city’s main gate. You’ll wind your way through cobbled streets, past Palazzo Pubblico in Liberty Square (also known as the Government Palace), magnificent churches like St. Quirinu, and residential quarters where locals still live within medieval walls. Along the way, you’ll hear remarkable stories about how this tiny republic survived wars, papal interference, and foreign occupation while never joining any alliance or union.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: one hour – 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–98 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Included: App for Android and iOS
Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Not included

Not included: Smartphone and headphones
Not included: Food and drink
Not included: Transportation
Not included: Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Itinerary

Porta San Francesco

Passing by

You'll begin at this historic stone gateway, the main entrance into San Marino's medieval heart. Pass through the centuries-old archway where countless visitors have entered this ancient republic.
Chiesa di San Francesco

Passing by

Marvel at this 14th-century church with its monastery housing sacred art and mysterious symbols carved by medieval stonemasons. Explore the cloisters where monks once walked and discover the spiritual heritage of San Marino's oldest religious complex.
Piazza della Liberta

Passing by

You'll stand in the republic's ceremonial heart, surrounded by the neoclassical Palazzo Pubblico and the iconic Statue of Liberty. Enjoy the square where San Marino's two Captains Regent still govern in Europe's oldest continuous constitutional republic.
Stop 4

Passing by

You'll see the world's first monument erected in honour of the Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi. Walk past this tribute to the revolutionary who sought asylum in San Marino during his dramatic 1849 escape.
Stop 5

Passing by

Pass this elegant church with its distinctive bell tower rising above the medieval streets. Marvel at the baroque architecture that has served San Marino's faithful for centuries.
Stop 6

Passing by

You'll explore this magnificent neoclassical basilica built directly over the cave where San Marino's founder reportedly lived. Step inside to see the relics of Saint Marinus and experience the spiritual center of the republic.
Stop 7

Passing by

You'll discover archaeological treasures and historical artefacts spanning San Marino's 1,700-year history. Explore collections that reveal how this tiny republic maintained its independence through centuries of European conflicts.
Passo Delle Streghe

Passing by

Walk along this dramatic stone pathway carved between the towers where local legend says supernatural whispers still echo. Stroll through this windswept passage connecting the First and Second Towers high above the countryside.
Guaita Tower

Passing by

You'll ascend to San Marino's oldest fortress, dating back to the 11th century and perched dramatically on Mount Titano's peak. Climb the ancient ramparts for breathtaking views across the Apennine Mountains.
Stop 10

Passing by

Marvel at this iconic tower standing 751 meters above sea level, the highest point of your journey. Enjoy panoramic views stretching from the Adriatic coast to the Tuscan hills from this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stop 11

Passing by

You'll pass this historic cistern area that once stored vital water supplies for the fortress above. Explore the ancient infrastructure that helped San Marino's defenders survive medieval sieges.
Stop 12

Passing by

Stroll through cobbled streets where medieval walls still stand and local residents live among centuries-old architecture. Experience the living history of narrow alleyways, stone houses, and hidden courtyards that preserve San Marino's authentic character.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

This tour starts at the Gate of San Francesco. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The Second Tower - Cesta

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

───

Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

───

Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

───

You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

───

For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]