San Marino is like something out of Disney – but with a real history that stretches back over eons
Once upon a time (around 250ad) there was a stonecutter called Marinus. Lucky for Marinus Roman Rimini (the new Roman city then known as Ariminum) was booming. There were building sites everywhere and good, hardworking, experienced stonecutters were much in demand. Hence Marinus and his friend Leo – stonemasons of Dalmatia (now Croatia) –either voluntarily, or on a special Roman prisoner transfer scheme, or fleeing persecution crossed the Adriatic and arrived in Romagna to work.
After a few years labouring near Rimini at Mount Titanus getting stone and supporting local Christians, Leo went off to become a cleric and found a community and a settlement on the next-door mountain – this was to become San Leo now thought to be the most beautiful town in Italy.
Back to our hero Marinus on Titanus - it is said that his deserted Dalmatian wife found him. Whether true or not, he became a hermit on the mountain and eventually founded a Christian community there.
Miraculous stories about Marinus abound, including one about him being attacked by, then taming, a wild bear with his goodness. It is also said that he met the Roman lady who owned the mountain, helped her son and got the mountain as a gift for his kindness.
Eventually, Marinus’ community on Mount Titano grew and prospered, He became a saint and the town on the mountain came to be named San Marino.
One of Marinus’ often-used sayings was ‘Nemi Teneri’ – not dependent on anyone. So when San Marino was founded formally in the 4th century the saying became its most important rule.
The independent stonecutters of San Marino certainly did a great job in creating their mountaintop idyll – the golden stone of the soaring mountain has been cut and carved to reveal no less than three magnificent towers – none of which were created just for show. But beautiful enough to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The mountain and its towers dominate the area for miles around.
The Guaita is the oldest of the three towers, and the most famous. It was constructed in the 11th century and served briefly as a prison. It was rebuilt numerous times and reached its current form in the 15th century during the war fought between San Marino and the Malatesta family rulers of Rimini.
The Cesta is located on the highest of Monte Titano's summits. It houses a It was constructed in the 13th century on the remains of an older Roman fort.
The Montale is located on the smallest of Monte Titano's summits. It was constructed in the 14th century to give protection against the increasing power of the Malatesta family in that region, it was also used as a prison, and the only entrance to the tower is a door about seven metres from ground level.
After a few years labouring near Rimini at Mount Titanus getting stone and supporting local Christians, Leo went off to become a cleric and found a community and a settlement on the next-door mountain – this was to become San Leo now thought to be the most beautiful town in Italy.
Back to our hero Marinus on Titanus - it is said that his deserted Dalmatian wife found him. Whether true or not, he became a hermit on the mountain and eventually founded a Christian community there.
Miraculous stories about Marinus abound, including one about him being attacked by, then taming, a wild bear with his goodness. It is also said that he met the Roman lady who owned the mountain, helped her son and got the mountain as a gift for his kindness.
Eventually, Marinus’ community on Mount Titano grew and prospered, He became a saint and the town on the mountain came to be named San Marino.
One of Marinus’ often-used sayings was ‘Nemi Teneri’ – not dependent on anyone. So when San Marino was founded formally in the 4th century the saying became its most important rule.
The independent stonecutters of San Marino certainly did a great job in creating their mountaintop idyll – the golden stone of the soaring mountain has been cut and carved to reveal no less than three magnificent towers – none of which were created just for show. But beautiful enough to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The mountain and its towers dominate the area for miles around.
The Guaita is the oldest of the three towers, and the most famous. It was constructed in the 11th century and served briefly as a prison. It was rebuilt numerous times and reached its current form in the 15th century during the war fought between San Marino and the Malatesta family rulers of Rimini.
The Cesta is located on the highest of Monte Titano's summits. It houses a It was constructed in the 13th century on the remains of an older Roman fort.
The Montale is located on the smallest of Monte Titano's summits. It was constructed in the 14th century to give protection against the increasing power of the Malatesta family in that region, it was also used as a prison, and the only entrance to the tower is a door about seven metres from ground level.
From the towers, the views over the Adriatic Sea and over the Apennine Mountains are stunning - but they are from pretty much everywhere in San Marino.
Ever upward along the cobbled streets, past ancient golden stone buildings, one vista opens up after the other. Simply fabulous views outwards to the mountains and the sea – and all around you in this World Heritage Site – the fabulous main café-lined square with the Palazzo Publico and (naturally) amazing balcony views, the stone-hewn churches with Saint Francis’, an early visitor, in pride of place, the museums, even a university. All in the centre of the historic town.
And there are hundreds of shops, cafes and restaurants catering for many tastes. San Marino’s two main businesses nowadays are banking and tourism (read shopping!). As it’s an independent republic and not part of the European Union – it makes its own tax rules, so many things are ostensibly duty-free.
In today’s age of homogeneity, San Marino is certainly something very different – maybe even a magical misty mountain with historical shopping opportunities!
Ever upward along the cobbled streets, past ancient golden stone buildings, one vista opens up after the other. Simply fabulous views outwards to the mountains and the sea – and all around you in this World Heritage Site – the fabulous main café-lined square with the Palazzo Publico and (naturally) amazing balcony views, the stone-hewn churches with Saint Francis’, an early visitor, in pride of place, the museums, even a university. All in the centre of the historic town.
And there are hundreds of shops, cafes and restaurants catering for many tastes. San Marino’s two main businesses nowadays are banking and tourism (read shopping!). As it’s an independent republic and not part of the European Union – it makes its own tax rules, so many things are ostensibly duty-free.
In today’s age of homogeneity, San Marino is certainly something very different – maybe even a magical misty mountain with historical shopping opportunities!
Find out how you can discover this amazing treasure at www.BestofRomagna.com
Or ask us: Welcome@BestofRomagna.com
Or ask us: Welcome@BestofRomagna.com
