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San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano

San Marino, San Marino
28.04.2012

The Historic Center of San Marino and Monte Titano is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the small European country of San Marino. Located on the slopes of Mount Titano, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the Republic of San Marino.

The center of San Marino is a charming medieval town, with narrow cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops, restaurants, and cafes. The town is surrounded by three distinct fortresses, each with its own unique history and architectural style. The Guaita, the oldest of the fortresses, dates back to the 11th century and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The Cesta, the second fortress, houses the Museum of Ancient Weapons, showcasing a collection of armaments and armor from various periods in history. The third fortress, the Montale, is the smallest of the three and is now used as a prison.

At the heart of the historic center is the Piazza della Libertà, the main square of San Marino. This bustling square is home to the Palazzo Pubblico, the seat of the government, and the Basilica of San Marino, the main church of the Republic. The square is also a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike, with street performers, outdoor cafes, and souvenir shops.

One of the main attractions in the historic center is the Three Towers of San Marino, which are depicted on the country's national flag. These three towers, located on the three fortresses, are a symbol of the Republic's independence and freedom. Visitors can climb the towers to get a closer look at the intricate architecture and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Another must-visit site in the historic center is the State Museum of San Marino, housed in the former Palazzo Valloni. This museum features a collection of artifacts and artworks that showcase the history and culture of San Marino, including ancient coins, weapons, and paintings.

But perhaps the most iconic and unforgettable experience in the historic center is the opportunity to walk along the ancient walls that surround the town. These walls, built in the 13th century, offer a unique perspective of the town and its stunning surroundings.

In addition to the historic center, visitors can also explore the nearby Monte Titano, the highest peak in San Marino. The mountain offers hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and a chance to see the wildlife and flora of the area.

Overall, the Historic Center of San Marino and Monte Titano is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and breathtaking views. With its ancient fortresses, charming town, and stunning natural landscape, it is a true gem of the small country of San Marino.


San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano covers 55 ha, including Mount Titano and the historic centre of the city which dates back to the foundation of the republic as a city-state in the 13th century. San Marino is inscribed as a testimony to the continuity of a free republic since the Middle Ages. The inscribed city centre includes fortification towers, walls, gates and bastions, as well as a neo-classical basilica of the 19th century, 14th and 16th century convents, and the Palazzo Publico of the 19th century, as well as the 18th century Titano Theatre. The property represents an historical centre still inhabited and preserving all its institutional functions. Thanks to its position on top of Mount Titano, it was not affected by the urban transformations that have occurred from the advent of the industrial era to today.

San Marino ( SAN mə-REE-noh, Italian: [sam maˈriːno]; Romagnol: San Maréin or San Maroin), officially the Republic of San Marino (Italian: Repubblica di San Marino) and also known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino (Italian: Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino), is a European microstate surrounded by Italy. Located on the northeastern side of the Apennine Mountains, it is the fifth-smallest country in the world, with a land area of just over 61 km2 (23+1⁄2 sq mi) and a population of 33,660 as of 2022.San Marino is a landlocked country; however, its northeastern end is within ten kilometres (six miles) of the Italian city of Rimini on the Adriatic coast. The country's capital city, the City of San Marino, is located atop Monte Titano, while its largest settlement is Dogana, within the municipality of Serravalle. San Marino's official language is Italian.

The country derives its name from Saint Marinus, a stonemason from the then-Roman island of Rab in present-day Croatia. According to legendary accounts, he was born in 275 AD, participated in the rebuilding of Rimini's city walls after their destruction by Liburnian pirates, and later founded an independent monastic community on Monte Titano in 301 AD; thus, San Marino lays claim to being the oldest extant sovereign state, as well as the oldest constitutional republic.Uniquely, San Marino's constitution dictates that its democratically elected legislature, the Grand and General Council, must elect two heads of state every six months. Known as the Captains Regent, they serve concurrently and with equal powers.

The country's economy is mainly based on finance, industry, services, retail, and tourism. It is one of the wealthiest countries in the world in GDP per capita, with a figure comparable to the most developed European regions. Despite this, its Human Development Index score is 44th, the lowest in Western Europe. Its healthcare system ranked third in the first ever World Health Organization analysis of the world's health systems.

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