San Marino-between history and legend-a story to be
lived.
It is not easy to describe the emotions aroused by San Marino, a place rich in
history and modern hospitality. The San Marino e-xperience offers a series of
narrated itineraries and tourist services so you can better live the thousand
facets of the world's oldest Republic.
To understand a country, comprehend its reasons for
existence, justify the historic inspiration behind its foundation constitute
an authentic act of conquest.
It's like ascending from the Adriatic coast to the peak of Mount Titano.
It is like conquering egotistical, opportunistic reason, freeing oneself to
receive the loftiness of pure concepts.
It's like freeing yourself from the weight of your body, feeling just your
soul.
On this philosophic journey we will adventure out to follow the destiny of the
Dantesque creatures of Purgatory who shed weight as they climbed higher. Thus
we pass the slopes, cross the great gateway, enter the third ring of the city
wall, then the second and finally the first. Here the civic content of this
portentous Republic reveal themselves, ever linked to the sacred context that
dates back the steadfast presence of its Founder, Saint Marino.
(taken from an article by Giuseppe Rossi)
A blanket of dark-violently shaken by the south wind
that first bends down the treetops, rending the human soul-enshrouded the
Second Tower with an aura of Medieval sorcery. There were none of the summer
tourists and the silence of the night was broken only by an unrelenting,
metallic clanking of a sign, ravaged by the wind. Perhaps, once again, my
inexorable imagination, the source of adventures and impossible dreams, was
playing a dirty trick on me, but by the Passo delle Streghe (the Witches Pass,
a name which could not be more appropriate) that evening the air seemed to
come directly from the caverns of hell, making the thousands of lights on the
Coastline flicker like will-o'-the-wisp fires lit by diabolic goblins. And yet
the weaving slope up the Cesta-between the stones just dislodged along the
long steps flanked by a ponderous row of merlons, secure but
threatening-inspired in me something more than simple suggestion
(taken from an article by Angela Venturini)
The first time I came to San Marino I was not much more
than a child, attracted only by the desire to visit all those shops that I had
heard tell about. I don't know how, but meandering in the midst of a crowd of
tourists at the ancient 'Porta del Loco', I was captured, nearly bewitched, by
the suggestion of the place. Perhaps because my glance fell on the words,
still clearly visible, warning the ancient travellers not to bring arms into
the city or risk sever sanctions. This propelled me straight into the 14th
century when this guard post was built. Perhaps because immediately thereafter
I found myself face to face with the severe but captivating fascination of the
Fattori house, inundated by red geraniums, enticing and provocative, evoking
for me the image of a city still full of mystery, all to be discovered....
(taken from an article by Angela Venturini)
The area between the Omerelli quarter and the
underlying city wall is the last phase of expansion of the fortified
settlement of San Marino, upstream of the town of Piagge.
When, in 1361, the Friars Minor of St. Francis laid the first stone of the new
monastery, the settlement of Titano was encased in the second ring of the city
wall, above the monastery. In the middle of the next century houses and
gardens began to pop up spontaneously toward the western rim of the mountain,
aligned with the Franciscan settlement,. Thus what in the XV century would
become the third ring of the city wall was formed of its own accord. During a
period of great upheaval and constant fighting between the vicars of the
church and the counts of Montefeltro at Urbino and the Malatesta of Rimini,
the small community of San Marino, took sides with Montefeltro. It had to make
the great sacrifice and set in order the precarious spontaneous city walls,
closing the 'entrance ways', those openings in the wall, and erecting solid
cavaliers at regular intervals.
(taken from an article by Cristoforo Buscarini)
The best way to understand, get to know and appreciate every corner of the world's oldest Republic
Porta di San Francesco; Historic Centre; Scenic Corner;
Interior of the Basilica of St. Marino
.
Porta di San Francesco; Historic Centre; Interior of
the Basilica of St. Marino; 1st Tower.
Porta di San Francesco; Historic Centre; Interior of
the Basilica of St. Marino; 1st and 2nd Towers.
Reservations
Guide office: hours 8:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. / 2:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Piazzale Lo Stradone - Tel. O549 882393 - Fax 0549 882398
email:
ufficioguide.turismo@pa.sm
The services are available in the following languages: Italian, English,
French, German.
route winding through history, enchanting landscapes
and imposing castles
Mondaino - Montegridolfo - Gradara.
The charm of the sea, the history of ancient civilization, the thousand lights
of the coast.
Rimini - Riccione - Gabicce Monte.
Myths, legends, inviting medieval towns
San Leo - Verucchio - Montebello.
Immersed in the green you can take a guided tour and
learn to recognize the numerous varieties that make up the native flora.
The arboretum is an educational facility and houses 125 different species with
a total of approximately 1700 plants.
Itinerary 1 south-west Km. 20.5.
Station 1 - Ponte di Fiorentino
Station 2 - Teglio
Station 3 - Caladino
Station 4 - Torrente San Marino
Station 5 - Cà dei Gessi
Station 6 - Gualdicciolo
Station 7 - Cà Martino
Station 8 - Parco Montecchio
This itinerary presents zones where human settlement has been more limited,
places where the environments have preserved their natural state, where small
but important waterways have maintained their hydro-geological characteristics.
From the first station proposed, you can admire the calcareous crag of
Pennarossa, the object of past excavations which is now being restored. It
emerges from the scaly clay of its encasing area, together with the exotic
sites, including Mount Titano, giving rise to the so-called gravitational
outflow of the Valmarecchia. Along the San Marino river you can observe the
area of Gorgascura, a small but characteristic waterfall forming a deep
whirlpool where trout and chub are at home. Here, after falling between the
giant blocks of limestone, the waters run calmly downstream and are depleted,
so much so that during the summer the riverbed is left bare. Along this route
it is not unusual to come across Miocene fossils from the San Marino formation.
The vegetation is rich in all forms of oaks, pubescent oak, holm oak and
locust trees as well as many other species of the Apennine foothills. There
are many species of grasses and shrubs in the underbrush. In various areas,
where hunting is forbidden during certain times of day, you can see such
native or stocked fauna as hares, pheasants, roebucks, boars and various
species of birds which have, in recent years, reconquered their natural
habitat. Along the San Marino riverbed, where it approaches the Marecchia
affluent, the fauna is that typical of the wetlands. Following the route up to
the Cà Martino bridge, you can admire Montecerreto. It has been set aside as a
nature park and, at the peak, it offers interesting landscapes along survival
trails running through a large pinewood. This first itinerary concludes at the
Montecerreto park where you can admire deer and roebucks and many species of
birds in captivity.
Station 1 - Monte San Cristoforo
Station 2 - Macchie di Montegiardino
Station 3 - Pratacci
Station 4 - Montegiardino
Station 5 - Cà Chiavello
Station 6 - Cà Mularoni
Station 7 - Faetano
Station 8 - Cà Montanaro
Station 9 - San Giovanni
From the first station, Monte San Cristoforo, you can observe the east side of
Mount Titano, its crag and the rubble from its various strata as well as the
signs of karst. At the base of the mountain you will find the majestic erosion
furrows of San Giovanni. Proceeding into the Montegiardino woods we can admire
a rich, lush vegetation including nearly all species of trees and with an
abundant underbrush teeming with animal life. Continuing along the route we
encounter the chalk sulphurous formation that characterizes Mounts Gesso,
Montegiardino and Faetano, where a sulphur pit was once present. It has
however, long since been destroyed and is no longer visible. From Ca'
Montanaro, on the one hand, you can admire the area dominated by the Domagnano
Castle, softly sloping toward the Adriatic. This area is dedicated to
agriculture; on the other hand, there is the vast hinterland dominated by
erosion furrows within which an industrial area has been built up.
The north side of Monte Titano and the underlying erosion furrows, nearly
totally restored by the land reclamation, can be seen from San Giovanni, the
last stop on the route.
Suggestive cobblestone road linking Borgo Maggiore with
San Marino.
A metaphor of the trip, an ascent among ancient vestiges of the Middle Ages
and scenes that will take your breath away.
No population in the world has the characteristics of
the Republic of San Marino, except perhaps Tibet. The cornerstone of the
existence of both these countries is faith. While the Republic of the Lama was
a theocracy, San Marino was a democracy, pacing the people at the helm rather
than God.
A population which is naturally sovereign.
Via del Santo.
The first itinerary takes the visitor to relive the past, walking in the shoes
of the Saint that founded this Republic, through suggestive landscapes and
characteristic places of worship.
Our itinerary begins at the foot of Mount Titano, where Saint Marino's odyssey began. The votive chapel dedicated to the Saint is the natural cave where Marino first found shelter. The Saint arrived following the flow of the Marecchia and then the 'del Re' or 'della Fornace' furrows. The place is highly suggestive and today can be visited by the general public and pilgrims alike.
We can continue our itinerary by ascending toward the ancient Mercatale, where the small, accommodating town boasts the XVIII century church dedicated to St. Antimo. On the inside is a painting of St. Marino and St Agatha dating from the XVIII century.
We now follow the suggestive, cobble-stoned route that sharply rises from the Town of Borgo Mercatale to Porta della Rupe, monumental entrance to the town. Along this route one can admire the Chapel of the Crucifixion.
We have now reached the historic centre of San Marino. Following the road that leads to Piazza Titano, we find a stone bas-relief by Aldo Volpini (1962) evoking the legend of the Saint and the tame bear.
Following the road that flanks the Cava dei Balestrieri (Crossbowmen's Pit), we reach Palazzo Pubblico. On the right of the building stands a statue of the Founder Saint Marino. Looking up toward the tower, the Saint appears in military dress, together with St. Leo and St. Agatha. Inside the Palazzo, in the hall of the Great Council is a depiction of St. Marino blessing his city by Bartolomeo Gennari (1594 - 1661). In the Camera di Scrutinio is another image of St. Marino by Giovanni Lanfranco (1582 - 1647).
Our itinerary ends in the place traditionally
attributed to the founding of San Marino.
The walls of this small church exude history, providing a suggestive
atmosphere. Here, in the apse we can see two stone-hewn beds where, according
to tradition, Marino and Leo slept. It is said that these beds have magic
properties. In the crypt, the stone relief of St. Marino with the bear by
Romeo Balsimelli is worthy of note.
History, amid sacred images and prayers.
The second itinerary we propose is a walk through the sacred images and
ancient churches in the historic centre.
The second is a walk through the sacred images and
ancient places of worship in the historic centre.
Thus this walk must start with the suggestive Basilica of St. Marino which
stands out sumptuously to the left of the Church of St. Peter. Construction is
mentioned in an act of donation dated 31 July 1113. Liturgically oriented with
the apse facing east (ex oriente lux): three naves with large arches covered
with trusses and thick walls; the presbytery was raised; various tombs and
memorial stones have been found under the floor, including that of Donna
Felicita who bequeathed the Mountain to the Saint. Tradition has it
constructed in the V century. The new building was built, by decree of the
Council of Sixty on 24 July 1825, on the site where a Parish previously stood.
Here Pope John Paul II stopped to pray at the reliquary of St. Marino on 29
August 1982.
Descending from Piazza Domus Plebis toward the imposing Porta di San Francesco gateway, we find the National Museum. In the halls of Palazzo Pergami we can admire noteworthy paintings from the XV to the XIX centuries, iconographic documentation of the most important moments in the life of St. Marino and his work to protect the Republic
Following Via Basilicius we run into the church dedicated to St. Francis, founded in 1361 by the Friars Minor Conventual. The church was frescoed by Antonio Alberti from Ferrara in the early 1400's. Numerous restorations in the XVII and XVIII centuries changed its appearance. The façade and portico were restored to their original lines by Gino Zani, placing to the right the stone cross which dates from the early building.
At the same site we find the San Francesco Art Gallery where we can view priceless works of art; among these noteworthy pieces for worship of the saint are the XV century statue of St. Marino and the lovely painting by Girolamo da Cotignola (1471 - 1549 ca).
Continuing on toward Porta di San Francesco and turning left toward Piazza Sant'Agata we pass a few meters beyond the Titano Theatre to reach the San Quirino Church of the Franciscan capuchin order, an austere building with wooden interior. Inside the church we find a XVIII century painting by an unknown author depicting St. Marino in a particular pose of intercession. Leaving the church, one can admire the magnificent panorama looking out on the borders of San Marino. Here our itinerary terminates with a glance at San Leo.
At Dogana, on the border with Italy, a large sign
stands over the road welcoming guests to the ancient land of freedom. After a
few kilometres, the visitor reaches the first of the nine townships:
Serravalle, which still today bears signs of the communal struggles
of the middle ages.
The road continues to climb up towards Borgo Maggiore, the
ancient Mercatale, which retains, unchanged over the centuries, the ancient
layout of 13th-century communal squares
The road climbs further, lined with greenery, until it reaches Città di San Marino, capital of the Republic, gently resting on the slopes of Mount Titano (750 m a.s.l.) and, close to the old-city centre, after entering Via Tonnini, Piazzale Calcigni and Bus Park nr. 1 are reached
TOILET FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE IN PIAZZALE CALCIGNI, NEAR THE LIFT
After walking along Via Tonnini and climbing up Via
Giovan Battista Belluzzi, the visitor comes to Porta San Francesco,
built in the late 14th century and which leads to the heart of the old-city
centre.
Enclosed by fortified walls, the old-city centre provides visitors with a
chance to stroll through the charming, though tortuous streets of the town,
stopping now and then to enjoy the wonderful scenic views, as well as the
windows of the many different shops selling merchandise of all kinds
From Porta San Francesco the road continues along
Via Basilicius as far as Piazzetta del Titano.
The Museo
di Stato., located inside Palazzo Pergami, is well worth a visit. It
houses archaeological and artistic artefacts related to the history and the
legend of the Republic of San Marino. The museum comprises an archaeological
section consisting of artefacts that go from the stone age to the middle ages
and an art gallery containing 14th-19th-century paintings including works by
Guercino, C. Gennari, M. Loves, E. Sirani, P. Batoni
Old-city centre, Piazza del Titano - tel. 0549 883835
FROM PIAZZETTA DEL TITANO, ACCESS TO THE TOILET FACILITIES IN THE GIARDINO DEI LIBURNI IS POSSIBLE THROUGH THE GALLERIA DELLA CASSA DI RISPARMIO
From Piazzetta Titano continue along Via Eugippo: here you can admire the Cava dei Balestrieri, dug out of the rock, where the San Marino Crossbowmen’s Federation organises tournaments and live performances are staged
Climbing even higher, you comes to what must be one of
San Marino’s most scenic spots: the Cantone.
From here, visitors can enjoy an enchanting view of the gently rolling
Apennine mountains of Tuscany-Emilia, which gradually drop down to the
Adriatic coast.
Alongside is a modern cable-car that links the capital with
Borgo Maggiore
After walking along Contrada del Pianello,
the visitor reaches Piazza della Libertà.
Standing proudly at the centre of the Square is the Statue of Liberty given to
the country by Countess Otilia Heyroth Wagener in 1876. The Government
Building (Palazzo
Pubblico) dates back to 1380 and houses the Great and General Council (the
San Marino Parliament). Rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in the late 19th century,
the inauguration speech was given by Giosuè Carducci. Inside the building, in
the large hall containing 60 high-backed chairs on which the Councillors sit,
and the throne of the Captains Regent, is a large painting by Emilio Retrosi
depicting an allegory of the founder Saint of the Republic
Outside the Government Building, the CHANGING OF THE
GUARD ceremony takes place.
The guardsmen belonging to the Guardia di Rocca corps are on duty outside the
Government Building in Piazza della Libertà and the “changing of the guard”
ceremony is staged between 8.30 am and 6.30 pm, every hour on the half hour
during the summer months, and more exactly between mid-May through September.
The Guardia di Rocca corps was established in 1754 and currently consists of
two divisions: the Nucleo Uniformato and the Compagnia d’Artiglieria. The
Nucleo Uniformato keeps law and order and guards the country and State borders,
as well as the various institutional bodies.
The Compagnia d’Artiglieria takes part in official ceremonies and national
holiday celebrations.
The soldiers of the Guardia di Rocca on sentry duty wear traditional uniforms
with double-breasted, dark green jacket decorated with white and red braiding,
red trousers with green side band, a kepi helmet with red pom-pom and white
spats. Full-dress uniform also includes gilded epaulets and leather helmet
with white and red ostrich feathers
Leaving Piazza della Libertà, a short climb brings us
to the Basilica del Santo. In neo-classic style, the building
dates back to the 19th century and has a nave and two aisles and seven altars.
It is full of statues and paintings of considerable value. The main altar, the
work of Tadolini, features a statue and the relics of the Saint.
Alongside the Basilica stands the small Church of San Pietro
beside which the steps and stone beds of the Saints Marinus and Leo, dug out
of the rock, remain intact.
Caption:
From the Basilica, the road climbs along Contrada della Pieve and Contrada dei Magazzeni and, after dropping along Via Salita alla Rocca, reaches the Cava Antica(Ancient Quarry) (Car-Park nr. 6) where the suggestive Passo delle Streghe can be seen
Dropping down from Contrada Santa Croce, the road brings us to Piazza Garibaldi with the statue dedicated to the hero. In this square is the Office of the Philatelic and Numismatic Department, which is always a big attraction for stamp and coin collectors
THE TOILET
FACILITIES NEAREST TO PIAZZA GARIBALDI ARE THOSE IN VIA DONNA FELICISSIMA,
JUST AFTER THE CHEMIST’S – 0.5 euro
30 July 1849. Garibaldi, together with his troops and
beloved companion, Anita, with the Austrian soldiers hot on his heels, after
being defeated on Mount Tassona and now completely exhausted, crossed over the
border of San Marino. The Hero of the Two Worlds, who also had many followers
in San Marino, introduced himself to the Regency, the supreme State authority,
pronouncing these significant words “…I come among you as a refugee, welcome
me as such and bear the anger of the enemy to save those who have followed
me”. The Regent, Domenico Maria Belzoppi, answered “Welcome the refugee; this
hospitable land receives you General…”.
The Regency therefore granted Garibaldi the right of exile, though aware that
by so doing it was exposing the country to the wrath of the Austrians. This
wrath was soon felt, with the arrival in San Marino of over one thousand men
led by the Archduke Ernest, on 2 August, and the San Marino authorities had to
use all their diplomatic skills to face up to a delicate political situation.
An act of bravery performed to save Garibaldi and his men, who were looked
after in the Convent of the Cappuccini. Anita, already seriously ill, was
carefully assisted in an old house in Borgo Maggiore, in Piazza Grande.
Around midnight on 31 July – i.e., about fifteen hours after entering the
Republic – after dissolving the legion, Garibaldi left Porta San Francesco
guided by the San Marino citizen Nicola Zani and accompanied by one hundred
and sixty-two legionnaires.
Just a few hours of history spent in San Marino, but decisive ones for the
life of the Hero and the future of Italy. In thanking for the citizenship
granted to him on 1 June 1861, Garibaldi wrote: “I am proud to be a citizen of
such a virtuous Republic”, and maintained constant ties and affection for the
country. The Old-City centre of San Marino still retains precious traces of
Garibaldi’s escape which is recalled every year on 31 July with an interesting
official ceremony presided over by the Captains Regent
Finally, return is made to Porta San Francesco along the Via Basilicius