San Marino it is considered the oldest republic in the world that is still existing today, a microstate located in the heart of Italy on the border between Emilia-Romagna and the Marches. What makes the historic center of the capital, the City of San Marino, very suggestive and spectacular is its position on the Mount Titan 739 meters high.

Characterized by a historic center of medieval origin and by defensive wallsthe republic of San Marino is known above all for the presence of the three towers located precisely in correspondence with the three mountain peaks and built for defensive purposes.

The legend of San Marino and Monte Titano

According to local legendthe foundation of San Marino is linked to the events of the saint of the same name who arrived in Rimini from Dalmatia in 257 AD, forced to take refuge right on Mount Titano due to the persecutions against Christians implemented by the Emperor Diocletian.

The stonecutter, still according to the legendary story, died in 301 AD after setting up a small one Christian communityreceiving as a gift from a rich local woman the territory relating to Monte Titano as a thank you for having healed her son.

Before dying, San Marino allegedly uttered some words that are still remembered today: “Relinquo vos liberos ab utroque homine”, that is to say “I leave you free from both men, the Emperor and the Pope”. A phrase that has been interpreted as the foundation of the republic and its own independence.

Even behind the creation of Monte Titano there is a very famous legend: i Titans decisive to challenge the Saturn trying to reach Olympus, a feat they attempted to accomplish by piling huge rocks on top of each other to form a very tall mountain. Although this initiative proved unsuccessful, Jupiter however decided to leave the mountain intact which took the name of Monte Titano.

The Three Towers of San Marino

When visiting San Marino, an obligatory stop is represented by the three towersthe Guaita or Rocca, the Cesta and the Montale.

There Yelp it is the oldest and is surrounded by walls, connected to Basket pentagonal from Witch Pass: this stone path has a particular name that derives from a medieval belief, according to which the decisions of young women gathered on this corridor ready to dance and perform magical rites, transforming themselves into witches in the light of the moon.

The Mount themfinally, it is the smallest tower and keeps a prison inside, called the bottom of the tower due to its depth of eight meters.

The Freedom Square

Symbol of San Marino is also the Liberty Squarecharacterized by the presence of public building and on one side completely open which offers a very suggestive view. At the center of the square is the Statue of Libertymade of white marble and depicting a woman who carries a flag in one hand and in the other a crown that portrays the three towers of San Marino.