San Marino is the name of one of the world’s oldest and smallest republics. According to tradition, it was founded in the year 301 by the Christian stonemason Marinus, who fled persecution and settled on the mountain of Monte Titano. Throughout the Middle Ages, San Marino managed to maintain its independence despite repeated attempts at conquest by surrounding powers such as Montefeltro, Malatesta and Urbino, and in 1631 San Marino’s independence was officially recognized by the Holy See. San Marino thus has a rich history, and it has been characterized by political stability and self-government.

In 1243, the offices of Captain Regents or Capitani Reggenti were established, and these two people act as heads of state for six months at a time. San Marino also has one of the world’s oldest constitutions, dating back to the 17th century, and the strategic location of the city and republic on Monte Titano has made it an important defense point throughout the ages. San Marino is a 61 km2 mini-republic with a capital city that shares the same name as the country. It has labyrinthine streets surrounded by medieval defensive walls. The journey here is usually along the main road from Rimini, and all the way from the border to the city of San Marino there are buildings; however, if you take side roads you will quickly reach the countryside.

The central part of the country and capital is the Centro Storico di San Marino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. Here you can start a tour of the city from Piazza della Libertà, which is the central square. The square is surrounded by historic buildings and shops. You can also walk along a street like Via Eugippo, one of San Marino’s main streets. It leads visitors through the charming streets of the city and also offers fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.

San Marino’s architecture is a fascinating mix of medieval elements and Renaissance architecture. The city’s most iconic buildings are the three towers on Monte Titano: Guaita, Cesta and Montale. These towers were built between the 11th and 14th centuries and served as defenses against enemy attacks. The Guaita Tower is the oldest and most famous of the towers, and was formerly used as a prison. From the tower, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside.

Among the city’s attractions is the Basilica di San Marino, an impressive neoclassical church built in the 19th century. The church is known for its beautiful facade and the works of art that adorn its interior. You can also see the Palazzo Pubblico, the government building of San Marino, built in the Gothic style at the end of the 19th century.

San Marino offers a number of additional attractions that make the city an attractive destination. In addition to the places already mentioned, you can visit Fort Santa Tecla, an old Genoese fortress, and Villa Nobel, where Alfred Nobel spent his last years. In the city, you can also visit the Museo di Stato, a museum with a collection of art and historical objects.