Second Cesta Tower
At the highest point of Mount Titan, 755 meters above sea level, stands the majestic Second Tower of San Marino, known as “Cesta”. Like an ancient stone sentinel, this masterpiece of medieval military architecture has dominated the surrounding landscape for almost a millennium.
History and Architecture of the Cesta
The history of Cesta is rooted in Roman times, when it served as a strategic watchtower. The first written evidence of its existence dates back to 1253, but its role as guardian of Sammarinese territory is even older. Like its elder sister, the First Tower Guaita, Cesta is surrounded by mighty stone walls, crowned by the characteristic merlons that define its unmistakable profile.
Inside the Second Tower of San Marino you can walk the passages on the walls: super scenic!
The Great Restoration
A fundamental chapter in Cesta’s history was written between 1924 and 1925, when master stonemasons undertook meticulous restoration work. This monumental work restored the tower to its ancient splendor, carefully preserving all the typical elements of medieval military architecture: from crossbow positions to loopholes, originally used to pour boiling pitch on potential attackers.
A Museum in the Sky
Today, the Second Tower houses the prestigious Museum of Ancient Weapons, a collection that tells centuries of history through armor, weapons, and war artifacts. This modern use perfectly integrates with the original architecture, creating a bridge between past and present.
The Tower in Sammarinese Culture
The importance of Cesta in San Marino’s history and identity is such that the tower was chosen to be depicted on the Sammarinese 50-cent euro coin, testifying to its fundamental role in the Republic’s cultural heritage.
The Museum of Ancient Arms inside the Second Tower of San Marino.
Visiting the Second Tower
To reach Cesta, visitors can follow the suggestive path that winds from the First Tower along the ancient walls and the Witches’ Path, a journey that offers breathtaking views of the Republic and the Romagna Riviera.
A local’s tip: Cesta’s elevated position makes it the perfect spot for watching the sunrise. In the early morning hours, when the mist slowly dissipates, the panorama that opens up over the valley below creates a natural spectacle of rare beauty.
