Plizio Visual Lab

Ex-Railway Tunnels

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The ex-railway tunnels of the Rimini-San Marino line stand as a fascinating relic of early 20th-century transportation history and engineering. This 32-kilometer narrow-gauge railway was constructed between 1928 and 1932, establishing a direct link between the Adriatic coast and the heights of Mount Titano. During World War II, specifically in 1944, the tunnels gained immense historical significance by providing refuge to over 100,000 displaced persons seeking safety from the Gothic Line conflict. The railway infrastructure was severely damaged by Allied bombing in June 1944, eventually leading to the permanent cessation of rail services. Today, key sections such as the Montale tunnel have been meticulously restored and illuminated for the enjoyment of pedestrians and cyclists. These engineering marvels illustrate the structural challenges of building through limestone terrain and serve as a monument to Sammarinese humanitarian efforts. Visiting the tunnels features an evocative journey through time into the interwar era of steam and electric rail travel.

Location: San Marino
Top sights: Santuario della Beata Vergine della Consolazione · Cava dei Balestrieri · National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	6	6	9	13	17	22	25	25	20	16	11	7
Rain mm	55	71	69	63	69	46	38	47	79	79	88	68

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The former railway tunnels are now walkable relics. The tunnels can be visited from inside, but caution is needed due to darkness and uneven ground.

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Typical hours

The tunnels are freely accessible during daylight, with no fixed opening hours. They may be closed in bad weather. Informational panels are on site.

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Photography

Photography is allowed inside the tunnel, but a flash is recommended. Tripods are possible but the narrow space may be restrictive. For atmospheric shots, use long exposure.

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Time needed

A visit takes about 30-45 minutes to explore both tunnels and the surrounding area. The total length of the tunnels is about 200 meters.

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Combine with

Combine the tunnels with the nearby Domagnano Fortress or the historic center. The tunnels are along a former railway line that can also be explored on foot.

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Getting there

The tunnels are located on the former railway line between Domagnano and Mount Titano. Best reached by car (parking along the road) or on foot from Domagnano.

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Insider tip

Insider tip: Bring a strong flashlight as the tunnels are pitch dark. The echo inside is impressive - shout once loudly to experience it!