Dogana between border art and Villa Manzoni

Dogana offers a striking combination of border architecture, art, and a route through Parco Ausa. The main border crossing between Italy and San Marino near Dogana is marked by a monumental steel portal. It was designed by architect Giancarlo De Carlo; its shape is inspired by a landing pier, and it was built in 1996. This gives the border crossing its own architectural character: the portal’s distinctive shape is part of its appeal, as is its location along the border.

Art and architecture in Dogana

The connection between place and art continues at Piazza Tini. Eron’s 2016 work “Soul of the Wall” is on the façade of the Cinema - Teatro Nuovo at Piazza Tini. The work on a building façade and the monumental portal represent two different ways in which art and architecture come together in Dogana. This gives culture-minded travelers a second clearly defined point of interest beyond the border structure.

Villa Manzoni adds another historical dimension. In Dogana, it was the country residence of the Counts Manzoni-Borghesi. The architectural complex includes three bronze sculptures by Arnaldo Pomodoro. Since its inauguration on November 23, 2013, the villa has hosted conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events. The villa thus brings together the history of the residence, sculpture, and cultural use. Its history and sculptures complement the view of Dogana that begins at the border portal, adding a distinct cultural focus.

A route through Parco Ausa

The Sentiero Ausa - Laiala - Ferrovia begins at Dogana’s former railway station and initially leads through Parco Ausa; from there, you can reach Serravalle. The route described offers a different point of reference from the art and architecture themes: the focus here is on a named starting point and the first stretch through the park. Travelers who include this route in their plans can consider it a separate point of interest alongside Dogana’s cultural attractions.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Dogana, you can base your choice on your travel interests: would you like border architecture and art to shape your stay, or would you also like to plan for the Sentiero Ausa - Laiala - Ferrovia? This way, you can tailor your search to how you want to discover Dogana.

The wider destination of Serravalle

In the wider destination of Serravalle, the Torrione and the historic center in the old town preserve its medieval character. A red square tower is considered a symbol of the area’s historic defenses. Near the fortress of Serravalle, the town center offers visitors characteristic narrow streets. These historic impressions add a distinct point of interest alongside Dogana’s border architecture.

The landscape in Serravalle also offers other themes for trip planning. In Parco degli Ulivi in Falciano, numerous olive trees line the footpath. Pineta Laiala offers opportunities for walks and mountain bike excursions. Serravalle thus offers concrete suggestions in the form of a path beneath olive trees and activities in the pine forest. Together with art, architectural history, and the route in Dogana, these different interests can help you decide what you would like to focus on during your trip and when looking for a holiday apartment.

For the wider travel overview: Serravalle.