Cistern of the Convent of San Francesco

The hidden cistern. Fred Cherrygarden (Atlas Obscura User)

At the time of its establishment in 301, the Republic of San Marino had only one public cistern, located near the First Tower. To accommodate the ever-increasing population, new cisterns were later built or dug directly into the rock, forming a network of water supply systems hidden inside Mount Titano. By the 18th century, there were 61 water wells and 34 cisterns, in addition to natural springs and wash houses.

Among the private cisterns was that of the Convent of San Francesco, part of which is now exhibited at the Stamp and Coin Museum behind a glass window, serving as a pleasant surprise that can easily be missed among all the unique Sammarinese stamp displays.

Know Before You Go

The Stamp and Coin Museum (Museo del Francobollo e della Moneta) is located at the end of Via Donna Felicissima, in a neighborhood where many of San Marino’s museums can be found. It’s open from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., with entry costing from €4 to €9. The window overlooking the cistern is in the philatelic gallery on the second floor.