In 2003, I took a daytrip to San Marino, an independent country located on the border between the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Le Marche in Italy. San Marino is the third smallest country in Europe (Vatican City and Monaco are smaller). The three towers of San Marino are three of the most famous landmarks. These towers are located on the three peaks of Monte Titano and were originally built as look out towers to protect the tiny republic of San Marino.
The first tower ~ Guaita ~ the oldest, largest, and most famous of the three towers
The second tower ~ Cesta ~ located on the highest of Monte Titano’s summits
The third tower ~ Montale ~ the smallest of the three towers, located on the smallest of Monte Titano’s summits (not open to the public)
shave ice & gelato 
Breathtaking photos, girasoli. They are also perfect for the protection week.
I hope you are enjoying your time with your brother and his family.
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Beautiful pictures, so perfect for this weeks theme. I would love to visit there sometime. I hope you have a wonderful time with your brother this week.
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I stayed on the outskirts for a few days many years ago when my children were small. :)
Is very cold and windy here. :)
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Those are fabulous shots. What a beautiful and impressive place that is and great for the protection theme.
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wow. beautiful. i’m going to italy this june. I hope we can go also see that tower
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Hi Girasoli, these are awesome photos and a great selection for this week’s theme. I did not know that it was it’s own country. I hope to visit there some day, then I can say that I’ve been to the three smallest countries in Europe! :)
Thanks for this post and I also hope you’re having fun with your brother.
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Your photos are beautiful! Looks like a cool place to visit.
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Towers are perfect for the protection theme! Love your photos. It does look like a great place to visit. Hope you’re having fun while your family is visiting!
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Beautiful photos! I need to ask: did you climb the two towers that were open to the public?
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Aloha!!
Excellent pictures!!! WOW! I’m glad I continued to photo hunt today (Sunday)–I’ve ran into 3 other Hawaii photo hunters!
I’ve got my own “protection” posted as well..stop by!
http://upcountrysmiles.com
Cindy O
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Wow — gorgeous photos! I’ve wanted to visit San Marino, it looks so beautiful!
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Do you think if I click my heels together I could transport myself to San Marino – it looks absolutely gorgeous! Menehune
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So beautiful. Now I’m wishing I would have visited! Oh well…someday!
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Thanks everyone. San Marino was a really cool little place, although also filled with tourists. I will post a couple more photos soon. Sorry to everyone I have not gotten to this week. Will try to get to your photohunt blog posts soon.
María, of course I did :)!! They were tiny towers to climb though since you already climb up stairs along the wall of the fortezza or castle building.
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