San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano
San Marino, San Marino
28.04.2012
The Historic Center of San Marino and Mount Titano – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Located in the heart of the small European country of San Marino, the Historic Center of San Marino and Mount Titano is a must-see destination for travelers interested in history, culture and stunning landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of the medieval old town of San Marino and the imposing Mount Titano, which rises 739 meters above sea level.
The history of San Marino dates back to the 4th century, when a stonemason named Marinus fled from the island of Rab in Croatia to escape religious persecution. He took refuge on Mount Titano, where he established a small community and founded the Republic of San Marino. Over time, the tiny republic managed to maintain its independence and became the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world.
The medieval old town of San Marino is a maze of narrow streets, lined with impressive buildings and historic landmarks. One of the most iconic buildings is the Basilica of San Marino, which was built in the 19th century and is dedicated to Saint Marinus, the founder of the country. Other notable landmarks include the Palazzo Pubblico, the seat of the government, and the Three Towers of San Marino, which are the symbol of the country.
But the real highlight of the Historic Center of San Marino is Mount Titano. The mountain is home to several fortifications, including the Guaita, the oldest of the three towers, and the Cesta, which houses the Museum of Ancient Weapons. The third tower, the Montale, is connected to the other two by a wall and can be reached by a scenic path.
In addition to its rich history and cultural significance, the Historic Center of San Marino and Mount Titano also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, visitors can see all the way to the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains.
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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 33,642, as of 2023.
San Marino is a landlocked country; however, its northeastern end is within ten kilometres (six miles) of the Adriatic coast through the Italian city of Rimini. 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 terms of GDP (PPP) per capita, with a figure comparable to the most developed European regions. The country ranks 44th in the Human Development Index.
