Montale Tower

The least visited and southernmost of San Marino's three defensive towers that summit the peaks of Mount Titano is Montale Tower (Terza Torre). However, it is still of the most beautiful historical sites in San Marino. Located on the highest point of Monte Titano, it was built in the 14th century to provide better protection against possible invasion by the Italian family that ruled over Rimini, the Malatesta Family; however, it was also used as a prison at one point, which was most likely its original purpose. The entrance door is 7 meters (23 feet) above the ground indicates that it was built to be used as a prison, as the architecture for such structures at the time was only designed for prisons.

During the fight with the House of Malatesta in the 17th century, the tower was crucial in preserving San Marino. Today Montale Tower often shows San Marino’s national flag, coat of arms, and one-cent coin.

Montale Tower, unlike Guaita and Cesta Towers, is a single tower rather than a castle-like complex. Although it is not open to the public, you can go close enough to get a sense of its massive size. It takes roughly ten minutes to walk from Cesta Tower to Montale Tower. All three of Mount Titano's towers are connected by a trail.

Address: 47890, San Marino