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Golden Palm Trees, San Marino, CA

© Creative Commnos / Zeetz Jones

Things to see and do in San Marino

Basilica of St Marino

See San Marino's fine churches, including the Basilica of St Marino that holds a reliquary of Marinus himself, and the 16th-century Church of the Cappucin Friars.

Fortresses

Storm San Marino's three fortresses; 11th-century Guaita, Montale and Cesta - a 13th-century edifice emerging from the ancient rock at the very highest point of Mount Titano.

Government Palace

Visit the stocky, neo-gothic Government Palace and don't miss the changing of the guard at 0830 or 1830. For some background, head to the State Museum, with its collection of archaeological finds and works of art.

Great outdoors

Visit the scented pine forests, fields and waterways of the territory - perfect for riding, fishing and walking. For more adrenaline-fuelled fun, the precipitous slopes surrounding the capital offer testing mountain bike trails. And the azure waters of the Adriatic coast are never far away.

Malatesta Castle

Take in the eight picturesque villages scattered around the countryside outside the capital. Places of interest include Malatesta Castle at Serravalle; the modern church and the stamp and coin museum at Borgo Maggiore; the church and convent at Valdragone; and the fort at Pennarossa.

Medieval centre

Explore the perfectly preserved medieval centre with its narrow, winding streets, churches and ancient houses. Cars are banned so a stroll around the city's ramparts is a peaceful and atmospheric way to absorb the spirit of this ancient city-state.

Museum of Emigration

Experience the trials of San Marino's many emigrants at the Museum of Emigration (www.museoemigrante.sm), an informative stroll through the history of moving populations.

Sailing regatta

Attend the 24 Ore di San Marino, the country's main sailing regatta (held in July) or the Gran Premio Formula 3000 (Formula One Grand Prix), one of several annual motor racing events.

St Francis' Museum

Take in sacred art at the St Francis' Museum, housed in a medieval cloister, and secular culture at the Contemporary and Modern Art Gallery, a modest but diverting collection of painting, photography and sculpture.

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