On the tip of mount Titano one can see 3 beautiful towers, connected among one another by walls and paths, which take you right into the town centre. San Marino, placed on the border between the Romagna and Marche regions and just a few kilometres from the Adriatic Riviera, covers a space of about 61 square metres. It was built in 301 a.c. by a certain Marino, who came here to escape from the persecutions of emperor Diocleziano. Since then this land boasts a history of freedom and independence constantly defended with wit and fervour.
As well as the three towers, the Guaiata, the Cesta (home to the ancient weapons museum) and the Montale, there are other buildings worth visiting: the public palace, the basilica, the church of saint Peter and the 8 castles spread out on Mount Titano which are the Acquaviva, the Borgo maggiore, the Domagnano, the Chiesa Nuova, the Faetano, the Fiorentino, the Montegiardino and the Serravalle.
SAN MARINOS’ HISTORY
Legends goes that Marino, a expert in stone working, came from his home island of Arbe in Dalmazia, went up to mount Titano and built a little community for Christians persecuted during the reign of the emperor Diocleziano.
The first official information we have regarding San Marino dates back to the medieval ages. Throughout the years the small community of mount Titano, remembering the legendary figure of Titano, called the land ‘the land of the San Marinans’ then ‘county of San Marino’ and finally ‘republic of San Marino’.
In 1243 the first two captains of San Marino, figures of great importance, were nominated.
San Marinos independence was threatened many times during the centuries and many times the San Marinans managed to maintain their freedom in name of a law proclaimed on mount Titano: the NEMINI TENERI. Nemini teneri means ‘depend on no one’. It literally means freedom in the medieval language.
Napeoleon in 1797 offered to enlarge the territory in exchange for friendship and gifts but the San Marinans did not accept his offer of expansion. In 1861 Abraham Lincoln wrote to the captains to express his appreciation for San Marino and its’ history; San Marino in renown for its hospitality. Here no one has ever been denied shelter, help or asylum, no matter what their political or religious beliefs. Everyone remembers Giuseppe Garibaldi who in 1849 escaped from enemies and found refuge on mount Titano. During the Second World War San Marino provided shelter for over 100.000 refugees. Today the republic of San Marino is independent, democratic and neutral and continues to live true to its’ traditions and ever more attached to its’ value of freedom.
San Marino is today considered an independent republic. Since 1971 it has its’ own ambassadors. It also entered the UE, holds a place in the European counsel and is a member of the UN (organisation in which all countries are considered equal regardless of size and geographical position This is the highest declamation of the NEMINI TENERI, The concept of freedom developed on mount Titano, in the silence of the hills by some shepherds during the medieval ages. Now it is recognised by everyone.