In Italy there are special places such as San Marino the oldest republic in the world. Institutions have survived through the centuries and are still autonomous and distinct today. Here you can find out what it consists of and also where this state is located, which is the third smallest in Europe and among the least populous.
But it is not all in fact here you will also know the history of this republic that is located in the Italian territory. Finally you will discover what are the things to see in the Republic of San Marino.
San Marino: what is it and where is it?
The Republic of San Marino is the sovereign state that is located in Emilia Romagna and specifically in the province of Rimini. It is the third smallest independent state in Europe after Munich and the Vatican. In fact, the extension of its territory is just over 60 square kilometers.
You should know that San Marino is divided into 9 different locations called Castelli. The state capital is located on top of Mount Titano whose summit is at an altitude of 750 meters above sea level.
Its flag has been adopted since 1864 and is composed of two horizontal bands of equal size, one white and the other blue, with the coat of arms of the state in the center. The State of San Marino is evidence of the continuity of a free republic since the thirteenth century and for this reason it has been included among the sites Unesco World Heritage Site.
The history of San Marino
San Marino is a representative democracy that is based on civic autonomy and self-government and has lasted for a long time. Legend has it that its foundation took place in 301 d. C. by a butcher of Dalmatian origin who took refuge on the Mount to escape persecution by Christians.
Here he founded a small community that grew over the years. The first written constitution dates back to October 8, 1600. Subsequently the state of San Marino was recognized by other European countries.
In 8662 a treaty of friendship was signed with Italy that guaranteed the independence of the Republic. During the second half of 1800 several reforms were made that made the state more modern. Since 1988 the state of San Marino has been a member of the Council of Europe and in 1992 it joined the UN.
What to see in San Marino
But that’s not all, in fact you have to know that there are many things to see when you visit the Republic of San Marino. One of the most interesting is located just outside the third city wall. It is the church of the Capuchins dating from the sixteenth century. One of the distinctive aspects of the place is undoubtedly the staircase that leads to the porch and the stone cross that is on its left.
In 1928 a monument dedicated to St. Francis was installed in the square in front of the church. The first is called the Fortress and was built between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries. This also includes a castle and a church. After the restoration carried out in 1930 this place is open to tourists.
The second called Fratta was built in the same historical period and includes walls a church and a castle with a museum of weapons.It is located on the highest peak of Mount Titano and was used as a watchtower since Roman times. The last, the tower of Montale, is the most advanced defense and is the smallest of the three. In 1320 it was connected to the other towers with a wall that today is still partly visible.
Copertina: VillaCattani