SAN MARINO
ENOUGH TO BE
This tiny landlocked republic, measuring just 61 sq km, on the slopes of Monte Titano, lays claim to being the oldest Republic in the world and the only surviving Italian ‘city-state’ whose institutional functions, political system and expressions of freedom, liberty and independence have remained unchanged since it was founded 301 AD by a Christian stonecutter monk, St Marinus of Arba, as part of a monastic community when they were forced to flee from Roman persecution.
The historic Old Town centre of the Republic of San Marino is perched meticulously on the ridges of Mount Titano and surrounded by the Emilia Romagna region of Italy on all sides. The elevated isolation is what has helped protect it throughout the ages, alongside the dedication of its inhabitants. A living historical city, it’s where I spent a long weekend, wandering the fairytale castle towers, archways, narrow lanes and open squares and staying in an old stonemasons house that has been passed down through generations.
Surrounded by the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, and perched meticulously on the ridges of Mount Titano, the elevated isolation and the dedication of its inhabitants is what has helped protect the historic Old Town centre of San Marino throughout the ages.
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Atop the center of this hilly area's highest point, is the capital city, San Marino, a living historical city of archways and open squares enclosed by stone walls. A single narrow medieval street lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops selling ceramics and duty-free items leads up to the Piazza della Libertà that was once the epicentre of political life in San Marino.
Here, you’ll also find the Palazzo Pubblico, a government building with an elaborately decorated facade featuring the coat of arms of the republic. It is official seat of the main institutional and administrative bodies of the Republic of San Marino that houses the headquarters of the Captain Regent, the Grand and General Councils, the XII Council and the Congress of State.
For those who like fairytale castle fortresses nestled high above the clouds upon mountaintops, San Marino is a living dream; for those who are fascinated by the makeup of unique societies and the workings of longestablished republics, visit San Marino to see a real-time success story.
In summer (between June and mid-September) you can catch the changing of the guard that takes place several times a day in front of the Piazza della Libertà.
THREE FAIRY TALE CASTLES
Three fortresses crown the long ridge of Mount Titano, with the city of San Marino clustered at the foot of their walls.
The first and earliest of the fortresses is the 11th century Rocca Guaita, constructed directly into the rock with no foundation and had to be rebuilt several times for different uses until it reached the form we see today.
The 17th century statutes made provision for a guardian to watch over the surrounding territory and ring the tower bell in case of danger – today, the bell is used to indicate that parliament is in session.
The Second Tower, Cesta Tower, is a 13th century castle that stands on the highest peak of Mount Titano. In addition to it’s stunning architecture and incredible views, the Cesta Tower is home to the city’s Museum of Archaic Arms and houses a large collection of medieval weapons and battle dress used in San Marino.
The third tower of San Marino, the Montale Tower sits on the Montale peak and unlike the other two this tower isn’t open to the public and cannot be visited. However, it’s nice to see it and the walk between the second and the third tower takes just a few minutes and a detour is worth it.
It’s said that Montale had an important purpose because it offers 360°views of the valley and always played strategic role in defending San Marino from enemies.
Passo delle Streghe
Passo delle Streghe or the Witches Path is a cobble stone walkway between the Guatia Tower and the Cesta Tower carved in stone.
The name is due to the fact that, being so high the wind blows and whistle as if someone was speaking; it is also believed that in the Middle Ages witches gathered there to practice their magic rituals.