The Castle of the Cesta, also known as the Fratta, is situated on the second peak of Mount Titan, the highest point at 756 meters above sea level. It was constructed at the close of the 11th century and shares a pentagonal design, much like the First Tower. The Second Tower served as the headquarters for the guardhouse and also accommodated some prison cells. Towards the end of the 16th century, as it lost its strategic significance, the Tower gradually fell into disuse. However, in 1930, during the modernization of the country spurred by the construction of the Rimini-San Marino railway, efforts were made to restore the medieval monuments, including the Tower. This restoration aimed to attract tourists to the Republic of San Marino.

Museum of Ancient Arms

The Museum of Ancient Arms in San Marino is situated within the Second Tower, known as Cesta or Fratta, perched at an elevation of 755 meters on Mount Titan.

It boasts a collection of 2,000 antique weapons acquired by the San Marino state between 1956 and 1972. The exhibition spans both floors of the tower, organized into four rooms, and offers insights into the evolution of weaponry, tracing the shift from traditional arms like swords, daggers, and crossbows to the era of firearms. The collection also features prototypes and experimental weapons, including a dagger-pistol dating back to 1730, a two-handed sword from the 16th century, and a double pistol equipped with two barrels and triggers from the late 1800s.

Hall 1: Explores the evolution of “pole arms” and their gradual decline, as firearms began to replace them.
Hall 2: Showcases armor from various historical periods and regions.

The museum’s inauguration in 1956 was made possible through an agreement with Giovanni Carlo Giorgetti, a prominent San Marino collector.

The Cesta, Second Tower & Museum of Ancient Arms, San Marino appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting San Marino!

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