Il Montale
An ideal observation point
Il Montale, or the “Third Tower”, is located on the southernmost peak of Monte Titano, an ideal observation point. Unlike Guaita and Cesta, it is not a fortress, but just a single tower. Montale is the youngest of the three fortifications, although it is not known when construction began. In 1320, the tower was connected to the other two by a wall. It was completed in the 15th century.
The prison
Inside the tower is an eight-meter-deep (26-foot) prison that can only be accessed via a so-called “Angstloch“ (German for “fear hole”), which is a narrow opening in the floor. Even entering from the outside was not easy. The entrance is at a height of seven meters (23 ft). During the wars against the Malatesta family, who had their seat in the nearby Fiorentino Castle, the watchtower was of crucial importance. In 1463, the San Marineses were able to conquer the castle and defeat the Malatesta. After that, the tower fell into disuse. It is now privately owned and can only be viewed from the outside.
Facts
- Location: Southernmost summit of Monte Titano
- Altitude: 676 m (2,218 ft)
- Other names: The Third Tower
- Built: 14th-15th century
- San Marino coin motif: 1 euro cent coin from the first series
Il Montale Note
This unique souvenir note from the San Marino Series was developed in cooperation with the Poste San Marino and is dedicated to the Third Tower. It is printed on genuine banknote paper and has several modern security features such as UV ink and a gold foil patch in the shape of a coat of arms of San Marino. The obverse is designed vertically and depicts the tower. The horizontal reverse shows a view of the Second Tower and the “Witches' Pass” (Passo delle Streghe). The path that runs between the fortifications on Mount Titano owes its name to old stories about young women who are said to have gathered on the mountain to dance around bonfires. The San Marino Series, which comprises a total of eight souvenir notes, is also available in a booklet with lots of information and pictures.
Obverse: Il Montale, Third Tower of San Marino on Monte Titano, national coat of arms of San Marino, motto “Libertas” (Latin for "freedom")
Reverse: Witches' Pass, path connecting the first two towers of San Marino on Monte Titano, national coat of arms of San Marino, motto “Libertas” (Latin for "freedom")
| Dimensions: 145 x 70 mm (5.71 x 2.76 in) Material: Paper |
