“Welcome to the old Land of Freedom”
The Republic of San Marino was formed during the diffusion of Christianity in the 4^th century when, according to tradition, the Dalmatian stonemason Marinus left Rimini in the company of his fellow countryman Leone to spread the Christian religion and settled on Mount Titano where he founded a small community of Christians. The Republic of San Marino was an exceptional case: granted certain privileges of freedom during the Middle Ages, it succeeded in maintaining its independence, within an area of about 60 square kilometres, making it the longest surviving Republic in the world.  The first settlements in the area were much older and dated back to the Bronze Age, but it was the Middle Ages that determined the independent nature of San Marino. Documents from 1243, in fact, tell of how San Marino obtained a municipal order even though it was ruled by the Bishop of Montefeltro who had a house here. The life of the Municipality was constantly under the threat of the bishops of Montefeltro, Rimini and Ravenna who vied for its control, but the people rebelled, turning directly to Pope Boniface VIII. During the 14^th century, the Municipality erected walls, towers and castles to form impregnable fortifications. In the 15^th century, San Marino acquired more land with the help of the Dukes of Urbino to contest the rule of the Malatesta, and became the size it is now. The Republic of San Marino succeeded, with determination and diplomacy, to maintain and consolidate its independence. The remarkable history of this area can be appreciated in its old buildings and churches, and in the network of roads and lanes leading to the beautiful heights of the Three Towers (Torre Guaita, Torre Cesta, Torre Montale) and to the viewpoints. There are many opportunities in this tiny Republic, with countless mountain paths where you can go hiking or mountain biking, and cultural trails taking in churches and museums, without forgetting one of the main attractions that has made this land of freedom so famous: the shopping! There is a wealth of little shops lining the streets in the historical centre, where craft stores alternate with other businesses. Not to be missed, too, are the Giornate Medievali (Medieval Days) in San Marino, when you are taken back in time with the excellent displays of flag-wavers whose brightly coloured flags liven up the sky, and many other events organized for the occasion.

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