the territory of San Marino and its nine castles
The oldest nucleus of the Republic is precisely the castle of the City of San Marino. It is perched on the top of Mount Titano, which together with the historic core of the town, became part of the Unesco World Heritage in 2008, and can also be reached via the cable car that goes up from Borgo Maggiore.
Second for the number of inhabitants is the wonderful Borgo Maggiore castle. Built in the 12th century, it was originally called Mercatale, because it was the site of fairs and markets.
It was, in fact, a place dedicated to trade, full of artisan shops and agricultural fairs. Its focal point is Piazza Grande, where markets and the agricultural fair are still held today. Its historic center can be reached via the cycle path, the cable car or passing through the suggestive tunnels.
In the park of Monte Cerreto there is the Acquaviva castle, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view: on one side you have the city of Rimini and on the other the whole area of Monte Carpegno. According to tradition, the castle of Acquaviva was the area where San Marino first stopped on his way to Rimini. Its name derives from Monte Cerreto, where at the foot of the hill was the source with which San Marino baptized the first fifty-three Christians.
The Chiesanuova Castle it stands out, however, for its square with the “Canneto”, the fountain known to have been designed by the poet and screenwriter Tonino Guerra, composed of a steel reed bed, an element that gives the fountain its name, and enriched with geometric figures and a sundial.
Bordering the castle of Chiesanuova, on the paths of Monte Titano, is the CFlorentine astello, to be part of the Republic of San Marino in 1463.
The district of Fiorentino is also known as the “Land of the Castles”. In the 15th century it represented the most intimidating outpost of the lords of Rimini and for this reason it was given the nickname of “Castellaccio”.
The Domagnano castle it is one of the border castles towards the sea. It is precisely here that some important Ostrogoth remains were found, and it is also known for being the birthplace of one of the first regent captains of the Republic of whom there is evidence, Filippo da Sterpeto.
The Serravalle Castle it is the most populated in San Marino. It once bore the name of Olnano, and was one of the castles of the Malatesta family in Rimini. Only in 1463 it was annexed to San Marino and since then it has captured the attention of many tourists, thanks to its places of interest and its fascinating views.
One of the smallest castles that this Republic is is the Faetano Castle. Originally its name meant “beech forest”, a symbol also present in its coat of arms. It is located in one of the most prestigious parks in the Republic, built in 2017 thanks to the Batticinque association, from which the park takes its name. It is located in the middle of an enchanting path of the Marano, which runs along the entire river and connects the path network of San Marino.
A real gem is the Montegiardino castle. Its structure dates back to the Lombard period and its historic center is still perfectly preserved today. The village stands on a chalky spur, in fact plaster is the dominant element in the town’s architecture. Its center is among the best preserved, as it underwent a restoration in the early 90s and has never been upset over the historical centuries.
The Republic of San Marino with its history, castles and unique landscapes and surprises every time. The Republic of San Marino has special care for each of its visitors. The Tactilia project is significant, a story of freedom for all, which was born with the aim of daring the possibility even for the blind to discover the city through the use of touch.
The Republic of San Marino is a dimension of extraordinary beauty and history to visit and share with anyone.