The Republic
of San Marino.
A timeless journey to discover its roots
and identity and its values of authenticity
and freedom, which have remained
unchanged throughout a history of more
than 1700 years.
Territory and Uniqueness.
History, Culture, Gastronomy, Nature: the territory of San Marino can offer all this and more; discover the territory of the state with over 1700 years of history.
The small state of San Marino is the oldest and longest-running republic in the world. Distributed over 61,196 km2, it is strategically nestled in the Italian peninsula and borders the Marche and Emilia-Romagna regions. A natural panoramic terrace located a few km from the sea and the attractions of the Romagna Riviera.
The suggestive outline of Mount Titano with the famous Three Towers is recognizable at a glance from afar, its rocky ridge dotted with green plants stands out on the surrounding area dominating from above the nine Castles into which the Republic is divided.
The ancient rural vocation of the Republic is still expressed today in the genuineness of local products and in the quality of raw materials which, in the expert hands of chefs and restaurateurs, let you taste the richness of the San Marino territory even at the table.
In addition to its history and special landscape peculiarities, the strength of San Marino is above all its uniqueness, a characteristic that has earned it the inclusion in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
Part of the World Heritage List since 2008, the city-state of San Marino has a particular political-administrative organization that has ensured its longevity and autonomy over the centuries. Two Captains Regent, elected every six months, symbolically embody the unity of the Republic and curry out the office of Heads of State while presiding over the Great and General Council, made up of sixty members. Within the Great and General Council, in addition to the Captains Regent, the members of the Council of the XII, the State Congress, and the Public Commissions are elected.
The suggestive outline of Mount Titano with the famous Three Towers is recognizable at a glance from afar, its rocky ridge dotted with green plants stands out on the surrounding area dominating from above the nine Castles into which the Republic is divided.
The ancient rural vocation of the Republic is still expressed today in the genuineness of local products and in the quality of raw materials which, in the expert hands of chefs and restaurateurs, let you taste the richness of the San Marino territory even at the table.
In addition to its history and special landscape peculiarities, the strength of San Marino is above all its uniqueness, a characteristic that has earned it the inclusion in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
Part of the World Heritage List since 2008, the city-state of San Marino has a particular political-administrative organization that has ensured its longevity and autonomy over the centuries. Two Captains Regent, elected every six months, symbolically embody the unity of the Republic and curry out the office of Heads of State while presiding over the Great and General Council, made up of sixty members. Within the Great and General Council, in addition to the Captains Regent, the members of the Council of the XII, the State Congress, and the Public Commissions are elected.
History
and tradition.
The history of the Republic of San Marino is intertwined with the legendary myth of its Holy Founder.
Marino came from Dalmatia together with Leo to work as a stonemason for the reconstruction of the walls of Rimini, destroyed by the Barbarian during an attack. It was the second half of the third century AD. In a climate of Christian persecution and after some vicissitudes Marinus, the stonecutter originally from Rab, soon decided to take refuge on the slopes of Mount Titano, living as a hermit. He built a cell first and then a small church dedicated to St. Peter.
Verissimo, son of the noble lady of the mount, Donna Felicissima, was struck with paralysis when he tried to chase Marino away. Moved to pity by his mother’s pleas, the future saint miraculously healed the unfortunate man, receiving the noblewoman’s gratitude in return. Felicissima converted to Christianity and donated Mount Titano to Marino.
Marino died on September 3, 301 AD. and it is to this date that the foundation of the Republic is still traced today.
From this legendary beginning the Republic has developed through the centuries participating in the salient events that have marked the history of Italy.
Archaeological excavations in the area have given evidence of the rich past of this land of freedom; many of these finds are in the State Museum and date back to the Iron Age. There are also numerous evidences of the presence in the San Marino territory of ancient populations such as Villanovans, Etruscans, Romans, and the Goths.
Traces of its medieval past are clearly visible in the urban structure of the historic center, surrounded by walls, and in the title of the heads of state office, Captains Regent (Heads of State), a modern and direct continuation of the ancient municipal Consules.
Verissimo, son of the noble lady of the mount, Donna Felicissima, was struck with paralysis when he tried to chase Marino away. Moved to pity by his mother’s pleas, the future saint miraculously healed the unfortunate man, receiving the noblewoman’s gratitude in return. Felicissima converted to Christianity and donated Mount Titano to Marino.
Marino died on September 3, 301 AD. and it is to this date that the foundation of the Republic is still traced today.
From this legendary beginning the Republic has developed through the centuries participating in the salient events that have marked the history of Italy.
Archaeological excavations in the area have given evidence of the rich past of this land of freedom; many of these finds are in the State Museum and date back to the Iron Age. There are also numerous evidences of the presence in the San Marino territory of ancient populations such as Villanovans, Etruscans, Romans, and the Goths.
Traces of its medieval past are clearly visible in the urban structure of the historic center, surrounded by walls, and in the title of the heads of state office, Captains Regent (Heads of State), a modern and direct continuation of the ancient municipal Consules.
