On the slopes of the triceps of Monte Titano, located in the northeast of the peninsula, hid the tiny republic of San Marino. Despite its more than modest size (61 sq. Km), this small country is one of the oldest in Europe. According to legend, it was founded at the beginning of the IV century member of the Christian community from the island of Rab kamenorez Marino, who, together with like-minded people hiding in the mountain peaks of Monte Titano to escape religious persecution. The only neighbor of the Republic of San Marino independent is Italy, which surrounds it on all sides. Sanmarintsy - a very proud people, they throughout history have not managed to win a single state.
Every year, about 2 million tourists come to the republic, to see the sights of San Marino, the major part of which are centuries-old castles, perfectly preserved to this day.
32,000 sanmarintsev constituting the indigenous population of the country live in the tiny and in the enchanting towns, municipalities of San Marino, Domagnano, Faetano, Chiesanuova, Monte Giardino, Fiorentino Akkvaviva, Serravalle and Borgo Maggiore. In each of the settlements remained a small area with castles, the remains of walls and the long, narrow streets that wind between the old buildings and terraces. Modern San Marino like a real museum in the open air of the Middle Ages.
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The oldest buildings of San Marino
The main attractions of the country are located in its capital - the city of San Marino. At the top of Monte Titano is a complex of three ancient towers, the image which can be seen on the arms of the state, as well as in local Euro coins. The oldest tower, which bears the name Guaita, was built in the XI century and has long been used as a prison. Throughout its history, the tower was rebuilt more than once. Within its walls kept old artillery weapon that Italy has repeatedly bestowed sanmarintsam in the XIX century. Guaita is a fortification of the two rings of walls and a few towers. On the south side of the tower is perfectly preserved chapel of St. Barbara. Today Guaita is open to tourists and is the most visited attraction in the country.
Tower of honor, a member of the famous tower complex dates back to XIII century. It is built on the highest point of Monte Titano. Its walls have long been a fortified city. The gates of the defensive structures were built in the XVI century. Like Tower Guaita, Honor rebuilt many times, but this did not prevent it to keep its original appearance. For over half a century on the territory of the tower is a museum of ancient weapons in the number of exhibits which include a collection of medieval armor, weapons and samples of different eras. The third tower complex, Montale, was built at the beginning of the XIV century. Construction in the form of a small pentagon, it is over one and a half centuries, warned citizens of the dangers posed by the neighboring castle Fiorentino. Today the tower is closed to visitors.
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The main gate of the city and the Palazzo Publico
Gate of St. Francis, through which entry into the capital of the state, were erected in 1361. They served the townspeople guard post. Later, the gate was completely rebuilt, and in 1581 they were joined by exterior doors. On the inside of the door are carved the arms of San Marino and the noble old family Feltreska. At the gate preserved ancient tablet with a warning to not bring strangers to the city arms. For non-compliance travelers expect severe punishment. Near the city gate is the church and monastery of St. Francis, the completion of construction of which dates from the beginning of the XV century.
Describing the attractions of the republic, it is impossible not to mention the Palazzo Publico - the government palace, whose construction lasted for 10 years and was completed in 1894. The palace was built by the architect from Rome Francesco Azzurri. The building belongs to the neo-gothic architectural style. Right Angle Palazzo Publico adorns the bronze statue of St. Marino. The majestic palace, guarded by smartly dressed guards, who are among the military forces of the state. Before the palace is a small Liberty Square in the center of which stands the Statue of Liberty - a gift to the country, made in 1876 by a German countess Wagener. Under the preserved area of the tank, which used to collect rainwater for the needs of the city.
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Basilica del Santo and the Church of San Pietro
Like Italy, San Marino - an ancient Catholic country, and on its territory there are many religious buildings worthy of the attention of tourists.
Basilica del Santo, founded in 1838, is one of them. Extraordinary beauty of the cathedral was built on the foundation that was there in ancient times, the Romanesque parish church of Pieve. The majestic Basilica, made in neo-classical style, like the ancient temple. It is decorated with six Corinthian columns, which is supported by a high white portico.
In the temple you can see a rich collection of old paintings and sculptures. The main altar of the Basilica del Santo is decorated with a statue of St. Marino, its author is a sculptor Adamo Tavolini. Under the altar is kept the skull of the founder of the republic. Visit the Basilica can be daily, it is open for tourists and holidays, and on weekdays.
On the right side from the Basilica del Santo is a small picturesque church of San Pietro. It was here before the beginning of the XVIII century the relics of Saint Marino. The centerpiece of the church occupies an altar decorated with magnificent marble inlays, which gave the church in 1689, the Italian musician Antonio Tedeschi. Above the sanctuary stands the majestic statue of St. Peter by the sculptor Enrico Salordi. The rock situated behind the altar niche, which once rested the remains of St. Marino and his faithful friend and associate of St. Leo. It is believed that these niches have healing properties. In the XIX century Church of San Pietro has been carefully restored, allowing it perfectly preserved to this day.
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Famous museums States
As in any country with developed tourism in San Marino operates many different museums. One should visit the National Museum of the Republic, in which you can get acquainted with the history of this state, to see the oldest archaeological finds and works of art sanmarinskih artists who lived in past centuries. The main part of the museum located in the castle of Berg Belutstsi. Near the museum are located another 2 attractions of the country: Gallery of Modern Art and the Pinacoteca di San Francesco.
In the halls of the gallery presents more than 750 works of art of the beginning of the XX-XXI centuries. The Pinakothek art exhibited paintings and sculptures XIV century and religious objects of the Franciscan Order, relating to the XIV-XIX centuries.
At the foot of Monte Titano in the road of San Marino-Rimini is a vintage car museum, which is visited daily by crowds of tourists. The museum has 120 exhibits, among which can be seen not only vintage cars, but also modern racing cars. Lovers of art attracts not only the museum, but also the car of Maranello Rosso Collection, which includes more than 250 pieces of cars of mark Ferrari. Despite the fact that the birthplace of these speed machines is Italy, the world's largest collection of Ferrari is located in San Marino. The collection displays the main stages of the production of racing cars of the legendary brand.
San Marino attracts many unusual museums. Traveling through this mountainous country, should pay attention to the world's only Museum of curious things, as well as the Museum of Emigration and the Museum of Wax. Most stress-tour can be advised to spend time at the Museum of Torture, which brings together more than 100 pieces, with which in ancient times was tortured people. Among the attractions is the Museum of the republic of modern weapons, in which a large area are more than 1000 exhibits of weapons brought from all over the world. Lovers of fauna will be interested in the Museum of reptiles, located in the center of San Marino. It contains exotic animals reptiles.
Attractions in San Marino - a festival, an annual event on the crossbow shooting, theater performances, meetings and other events that constantly draw attention to the state. The Republic is popular with tourists, no less than its neighbor Italy. Once in San Marino, most travelers tend to forget what era they live in a country where everything breathes the Middle Ages. No wonder it is so like to shoot historical films renowned filmmakers. The main attraction of the country is a funicular ride which can be a bird's eye view not only to the entire territory of San Marino, and the nearby Italian soil. Those who went for a claim that is air travel - a breathtaking sight.
