The way to climb
The first idea is the Cableway, run by the Azienda Autonoma di Stato per i Servizi Pubblici. It connects the station of Borgo Maggiore to the historic centre of San Marino, climbing the height difference of 166 metres at a speed of 6 metres per second. For children below 120 centimetres in height the ride is free.
For a longer route, the tourist train connects Borgo Maggiore to the historic centre through the old Borgo Maggiore and Montalbo galleries. On board a guide retraces the history of the Republic in thirty minutes of travel.
Walking through the Middle Ages
The historic centre is walked on foot: no cars, dressed stones, fortresses and narrow alleys. The Three Towers are the heart of the visit. The Witches' Pass is a short stone walkway running on a battlemented bridge from the Guaita to the Cesta, then weaving among trees and bushes up to the Montale. The popular name recalls medieval legends of moonlit night gatherings; today the walk is a quiet stroll, suited to all ages.
«To children San Marino looks like a fairy-tale country: towers on rocks, paths that lift up into the void, names that seem out of a book of knights.»
Incredible but true
The Museum of Curiosities is among the favourites of younger visitors. A route of about 600 square metres gathers extravagant inventions, bizarre everyday objects, historical figures out of the ordinary. The clock for the nose, the "moustache" tea cups, traps and unusual contraptions alternate with explanatory panels that turn the visit into a game. Indicative tickets: 8 euro full, 5 euro reduced.
Creatures of the night
The Museum of Vampires and Werewolves is a horror-themed setting with life-size figures, panels on night creatures, monsters and legends. Not suited to very young children or those sensitive to dark atmospheres. Children enter free; the adult ticket is 8 euro.
Adventure park on Mount Cerreto
For visitors looking for outdoor activity, the San Marino Adventures park offers eighteen trails on trees, climbing walls, training areas and a zone dedicated to younger ones. On site there is a picnic and barbecue area. The trails are differentiated by difficulty and age and involve adults too.
Indicative times and age bracket
| Stop | Activity | Age range |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cableway or tourist train | Climb to the historic centre | All ages |
| 2. Three Towers and Witches' Pass | Ridge walk | From 5 years |
| 3. Museum of Curiosities | Unusual objects and bizarre inventions | Children and teens |
| 4. Museum of Vampires and Werewolves | Horror-themed visit | From 10 years |
| 5. San Marino Adventures | Adventure park among the trees | By trail |
Hours and tickets are managed by the individual venues. For the museums see the State Museums; for the Cableway the AASS portal.