- Address: San Marino, 47890, San Marino
- Foundation date: 14th century
As you know, the flag of this tiny European state depicts three towers . These are the famous Guaita , Chesta and Montale. They are not only symbols, but the central attractions of San Marino . While there, be sure to visit Mount Titano , because each of the towers is interesting in its own way. And our article will tell you about one of these three towers - Montale. Its other name is Terza Torre, which, in Italian, means "the third tower".
What is interesting about the Montale Tower in San Marino?
This medieval structure was erected in the distant 14th century to protect the city. Until 1479, Montale was used as a signal tower to prevent the attack of the Malatest family, who lived in the castle of Fiorentino. When this territory was annexed to San Marino, there was no longer any need for protection.
The Montale Tower has a pentagonal shape and is inferior in size to the first two "neighbors". The entrance to it is located high, at an altitude of about 7 m. Earlier, they climbed up the iron braces embedded in the masonry. The lower part of the building, once serving as a prison, is a stone "sack" used to hold prisoners. Several times the tower was restored - the last time it was in 1935, and since then the structure has remained exactly as we see it today.
The top of the tower is crowned with a feather, which is displayed on the coat of arms and the flag of San Marino (there are feathers on all three towers, although in reality - only in Chesta and Montale). By the way, Terza Torre is depicted on the coin of the state of San Marino worth 1 eurocent.
How to get to the Montale Tower?
Tourists come to Montale, as a rule, after inspecting the first two towers. From the tower of Chest, you can walk 10 minutes by foot on a small forest path. It is impossible to get lost here, signposts are installed on the trail.
Unlike the first two towers, which can be viewed not only from the outside, but also from the inside, in Montal, the entrance for visitors is closed. The official reasons for this are not named, and curious tourists have to be content with studying the appearance of the tower and its surroundings: from here a beautiful panorama of the city of San Marino and the Adriatic coast opens.
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