Cheste


Three famous towers are not just symbolic, but also very beautiful sights of San Marino . They were built at different times, but today they are a single architectural complex. From this article you will learn about one of these towers, whose name is Chesta.

History of the Tower

The first historical references to this tower date back to 1253. The purpose of its construction is to protect the city from enemies, for which in 1320 a defensive wall connecting all three towers of San Marino was added to the tower. In the Middle Ages, the tower was used as a prison, and there was also a garrison here.

The modern gate of Chest was completed in the XVI century, and then converted in 1596. Up to now, loopholes and embrasures in the outer walls of the tower have been preserved. The tower itself was restored in 1924, but despite this, today it has the most medieval look. Residents of San Marino are very proud of their towers, because these defensive outposts played a decisive role in the defense of the city and a small but independent state.

What to see in the tower of Cesta, San Marino?

The tower is located in the highest point of San Marino, right on the top of Mount Titano , from where you can see a chic view of the city and its surroundings. It is worth to come here at least for the sake of admiring this amazing landscape. But, of course, the tower of Chest should be inspected from the inside. Unlike the third tower of San Marino, Montale , where tourists are not allowed, the doors of Chest, like the Guaits (the first tower), are open to everyone who wants to see its interior.

Inside the tower, since 1956, the museum of ancient weapons has been opened. Here you can see samples of firearms and cold steel - just over 700 samples belonging to different epochs. These are crossbows, spears, bows, armor and shields, halberds, ramrod and silicone guns and much more. The inner space of the tower is divided into 4 halls devoted to the development of the pole weapon, armor and their elements, as well as the evolution of firearms. Thanks to this impressive exposition, the tower of Chest is considered to be a branch of the city museum. Along the path leading to the parking lot, you can see a fragment of the old fortress wall, built in the XIII century.

In general, it is worth noting that it is Chest that is the most beautiful from the point of view of the tourist building of San Marino and, moreover, it retained its original appearance better than others. Here you can make the best photos.

How to get to the tower of Chest?

Moving around the city ​​of San Marino is better on foot, especially in the center of the car traffic and so it is prohibited. All three towers are within walking distance, and it is not difficult to inspect them without using transport. You can go up to the tower by a picturesque path leading from the first tower and laid along the crest of the rock. On this way there is an observation deck, from where a stunning panorama opens.

The operating time of the Chast tower in San Marino depends on the season: from June to September it is available for visits from 8:00 to 20:00 hours, and from January to June, as well as from September to December - from 9:00 at 17:00. For the entrance to the tower you have to pay 3 euros, and if you want to visit all three towers, the admission ticket will cost 4.50 euros.