SAINT MARINUS' WAY
Peregrinatio Sancti Marini 

Saint Marinus' Way is a 79.2 km long route divided into four stages, one of the religious pilgrimages that offers journeys of faith, history, and nature, ideal for slow tourism.

The itinerary is intended not only for religious pilgrims but for anyone wishing to experience transformation and change through an inner journey. The path retraces the footsteps of Marinus, who was the founder of a State, a man of work and prayer who taught many about sacrifice and freedom.

The journey begins at the sea, symbolically from Rab (croatian island), the Saint’s birthplace, but in practical terms in Rimini, where he landed, and then continues toward Mount Titano. From the unstable horizon of the sea, he made his way toward the mountain, a symbol of firmness and stability. Through his life experience, the figure of Marinus has become an example to follow.

The Walk’s Stages 

Starting from the Church of Saints Bartholomew and Marinus (or the Church of Saint Rita) in Rimini, which is traditionally considered the place where the Saint lived and worked as a stonemason during his time in the city. The route heads toward San Marino, passing through the locality of Poggio Berni, known as Santo Marino, where a church has been built in his honor.

Continuing along the route and crossing the Italy–San Marino border, you reach the baptismal font in the Municipality of Acquaviva, where Marinus baptized the first Christians of the Titano community. The journey then continues toward his first refuge, the Saint’s Chapel, near the Baldasserona cliff, before heading toward the Old Town.

At this point of the pilgrimage, for those who wish, it is possible to introduce a Marian Stage, heading towards Valdragone.

From the heart of San Marino, after having visited the most significant places connected to Saint Marinus, the journey continues toward San Leo, a fortified town located on Mount Feretrio. This stage celebrates the friendship between Marinus and Leo, founder of the town that bears his name and friend and travel companion of the Saint.

Leaving the village, the route heads toward Pennabilli, the episcopal seat of the Diocese of San Marino - Montefeltro, the final destination of the journey and a symbol of the mission of faith of the two Saints.

The entire route is clearly signposted, and in some sections it is possible to follow alternative cycling variations.

The walk intersects with other itineraries and trail markers. Particularly significant is the meeting of Saint Marinus' Way with Saint Francis' Way at Sant'Igne, an aspect that highlights the spiritual bond between the Republic and Saint Francis, who blessed the Sammarinese community during his passage on Mount Titano. The Saint’s visit left a strong message of faith, conveying the values of freedom, sobriety, and peace.

Historical Notes on San Marino

It is said that the Republic of San Marino was founded by a Dalmatian stonemason named Marinus, who arrived around 257 AD on the Italian peninsula to work in ancient Rimini together with his friend Leo, also a Dalmatian and a stonemason.

While Leo withdrew as a hermit to Monte Feretrio, Marinus took refuge on the slopes of the Mount Titano.

Having discovered the beauty of the summit of Mount Titano, Marinus began building a small chapel dedicated to Saint Peter. It was here that he healed the son of Donna Felicissima, owner of Mount Titano, who, in gratitude, donated the mountain to the Saint.

Bishop Gaudentius, grateful for the presence of the two hermits Marinus and Leo, summoned them and wished to ordain them first as priests and then as bishops. However, Saint Marinus declined and thus became only a deacon, while Saint Leo was consecrated bishop.

During his life, in addition to becoming a Christian deacon, Marinus performed holy works and founded a community of disciples, leaving them free from any earthly dominion, faithful only to the laws of God. Thus, the first Sammarinese community was born, which over the centuries managed to survive and establish itself as free and independent.

This pilgrimage aims to retrace the footsteps of Marinus, the Saint who taught people to be free and who showed the way to find true happiness in life, in peace and sharing with others.

Recognitions of the Way

- Since April 2024, it has been included in the Italian Catalogue of Religious Routes.
- Since February 2025, it has been included among the Jubilee Routes 2025.

Further Information

The guide “In the Footsteps of Saint Marinus” by Suor M. Gloria Riva is available for purchase at the Tourist Information Office in Piazza Garibaldi 5. The book talks about the pilgrimage of faith, history, and culture of the Patron Saint and Founder of the Republic, offering in-depth insights into each individual stage. The guide is not simply a book, but a travel diary rich in notes, information, and reflections that accompanies visitors on a unique spiritual experience.

Discover the GPX files here

FIND OUT THE 4 STAGES WITH ALL THE DETAILS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE