Borgo Maggiore: The Scenic Gateway to San Marino

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/pray-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusi/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-zee/mee dee-spyah-cheh]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stai]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la Polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un medico!
  [kyah-mah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh]
• I'm illSono malato
  [soh-noh mah-lah-toh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Le dieci e mezza
  [leh dee-eh-chee eh meh-tsah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reetsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trar-mee soo-lah mahp-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando arriva il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh ahr-ree-vah eel prohs-see-moh ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beellyeh-toh pehr]

Borgo Maggiore was originally founded in the 13th century as Mercatale, which translates to 'marketplace.' The town served as a hub for commerce and trade, catering to the needs of the citizens of San Marino and the surrounding regions. Its strategic location at the base of Monte Titano made it an ideal spot for merchants to gather and exchange goods.

During the Middle Ages, Borgo Maggiore grew in importance as a commercial center. The town's market, held every Thursday, became one of the most significant in the region. Local farmers, artisans, and traders would convene here to sell their goods, making it a bustling and vibrant community. This weekly market tradition continues to this day, maintaining its historical significance.

Borgo Maggiore's proximity to the capital city, San Marino, has always been a key aspect of its development. The two towns are connected by both a scenic cable car and a historic footpath, allowing easy access between the two. This connection has fostered a close relationship, with Borgo Maggiore often serving as a gateway for visitors to the Republic of San Marino.

The town boasts a rich architectural heritage, featuring a blend of medieval and modern structures. Notable landmarks include the Church of San Antimo, built in the 19th century, and the old market square, which retains its historical charm. The mix of old and new architecture provides a unique glimpse into the town's evolution over the centuries.

In recent decades, Borgo Maggiore has undergone significant modernization while preserving its historical essence. The town has expanded its infrastructure, including new residential areas, shopping centers, and cultural venues. Despite these changes, Borgo Maggiore remains deeply connected to its roots, with local traditions and festivals continuing to play a central role in community life.

Borgo Maggiore is not just a commercial hub but also a cultural center. The town hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from local folklore to contemporary arts. The annual Fiera di San Marino, a traditional fair held every October, is a major highlight, attracting visitors from all over the region and beyond.

Borgo Maggiore is located in the Republic of San Marino. The nearest major international airport is Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini, Italy, approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away. From the airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach Borgo Maggiore. Another option is to fly into Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, which is about 130 kilometers (81 miles) away and offers more international connections. Regular buses run from Rimini to San Marino, making it convenient to reach Borgo Maggiore.

Borgo Maggiore is a small locality and many of its attractions can be explored on foot. Public buses connect Borgo Maggiore with other parts of San Marino and nearby Italian cities. Taxis are available but can be more expensive. If you prefer flexibility, renting a car is a viable option, though parking can sometimes be limited in the historic areas. Cable cars also offer a scenic route from Borgo Maggiore to the capital, San Marino City.

San Marino uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available in Borgo Maggiore, so withdrawing cash should not be a problem.

Borgo Maggiore is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, but it's always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be cautious in crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always good to stay vigilant.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Borgo Maggiore has a local police station and medical facilities to handle emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove hats and cover your shoulders when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera.' A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food graciously. Don't rush through meals; dining is often a leisurely and social activity.

To experience Borgo Maggiore like a local, visit the weekly market held every Thursday, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals; they are friendly and often willing to share stories about the area. Don't miss taking the cable car to the capital for panoramic views. For a unique experience, visit during local festivals and events to immerse yourself in the culture.