San Marino San Marino

Founded in 301 AD, the Republic was protected in the first centuries mainly because it was largely unknown. In the 10th century, the construction of fortification walls around the capital began. On the three peaks of Monte Titano, the three castles of Guaita, Cesta and Montale were built in succession. In 1337, all three city castles were mentioned in a document by Cardinal Anglico.

Time and again, San Marino's independence was threatened from outside and had to be defended in disputes with the Malatesta family from Rimini or the Borgia family. For this it had a small army, supported by the population. Often, in the end, the respective Pope as the highest authority confirmed the independence of the Republic and forbade further warfare.

Even Napoleon, who invaded Italy in 1796, confirmed San Marino's sovereignty and left its borders unmolested. He even offered to extend the territory of the small state to the sea, but the San Marinese gratefully refused.

In the First World War, San Marino remained neutral, but concluded a treaty with Italy not to harm each other. During the Second World War, San Marino was ruled by fascists until 1943. Afterwards, the small country took in over 100,000 refugees. In 1944, fighting broke out between German and Allied troops, before which the British bombed San Marino unjustifiably.

Im ersten Weltkrieg blieb San Marino neutral, schloss jedoch einen Vertrag mit Italien, sich gegenseitig nicht zu schaden. Im Zweiten Weltkrieg wurde San Marino bis 1943 faschistisch regiert. Anschließend nahm das kleine Land über 100.000 Flüchtlinge auf. 1944 kam es zu Kampfhandlungen zwischen deutschen und alliierten Truppen, zuvor bombardierten die Briten San Marino ungerechtfertigt.

San Marino's fortified architecture consists essentially of the three castles of Guaita, Cesta and Montale, as well as the city fortifications around the capital, with bastions, towers and city gates. The specific terrain of Monte Titano was skilfully incorporated.

Guaita Castle is delimited by two circles of defensive walls adorned with battlements. The inner circle includes the donjon, the bell tower and the garrison block (later prison) and is accessible only through a central entrance. The outer circle adjoins it to the southwest and consists of the gate tower, two other towers and functional buildings.

Along the south-eastern summit ridge, further tin walls with towers extend to Cesta Castle with the core castle with tower as well as outbuildings. The original fortress already served as an observation post in Roman times and the Cesta tower is mentioned in documents in 1253. In 1320, the outer wall was built and the tower was connected to the fortifications of the second wall ring. The gate that gives access to the inner part of the fortress was opened in the 16th century. The posts bear the coat of arms of the Republic and the date 1596, the year of the reconstruction. In 1930 the fortress was restored and in 1956 the Weapons Museum was established.

The city fortifications run on several levels below Guaita Castle. Prominent points are the bastions in the west, the south-western city wall with towers and the eastern city gates. Furthermore, the fortifications of the palace.

San Marino has a distinctive range of sports and leisure activities in the countryside. Although the area is only 61 square kilometres, there is a great variety of hiking trails through forests, meadows, streams, valleys and depressions.

Or walk along the panoramic path on Monte Titano and enjoy spectacular views of Tuscany, Emilia Romagna or the Apennines. Stroll through the streets of the capital on an e-bike or glide over them on a paraglider.

Discover the typical Mediterranean flora or watch kestrels, barn owls, eagle owls and buzzards in flight.