Happy TravellerWelcome to the City of San Marino, the capital city of the Republic of San Marino. With a population of just over 4,000, this charming city is located on the western slopes of Monte Titano, the highest point in San Marino. Although not the largest city in the country, it is the center of most of the businesses in San Marino. In this article, we will explore the geography, history, economy, landmarks, transportation, sports, and twin towns of this beautiful city.
== Geography ==
The City of San Marino is the third largest city in the country, after Dogana and Borgo Maggiore. It borders the San Marino municipalities Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Fiorentino, and Chiesanuova and the Italian municipality San Leo. The Akademio Internacia de la Sciencoj San Marino was centered here.
== History ==
Founded by Saint Marinus and several Christian refugees in the year 301, the City of San Marino became a center of Christian refugees who fled from Roman persecution. The urban heart of the city was protected by three towers: the first, Guaita, constructed in the 11th century, was famous for being impenetrable, which to a great extent discouraged attacks on the city. Due to the Crusades, it was felt necessary to construct a second tower, Cesta (13th century). But the Sanmarinense defensive system was not completed until the construction of a third tower, the Montale (14th century) – the smallest of all and constructed on the last of the summits of Monte Titano. With the population of the city increasing, the territory of the country was extended by a few square kilometers. Since the Sanmarinese policy was not to invade or to use war to obtain new territories, it was by means of purchases and treaties that San Marino obtained the other eight castelli which make up the country.
== Economy ==
The economy of the City of San Marino has always been closely bound to that of the country. Until recently, the main economic activities of the locality were stone extraction and carving. Today, there is a more varied economy, including tourism, commerce, sale of postage stamps, and a small agricultural industry, although the latter is in decline.
== Landmarks ==
The City of San Marino is visited by more than three million people per year, and has developed progressively as a tourist center. Of the tourists, 85% are Italian. There are also more than a thousand retail outlets, where one can find a great variety of products. Some of the main sights include the Basilica di San Marino, Palazzo dei Capitani, Palazzo Pubblico, Teatro Titano, The Three Towers of San Marino, Piazza del Titano, Piazza Garibaldi, Monastery of Santa Clara, and Grand Hotel San Marino.
== Transport ==
The City of San Marino is known for its long, winding cobblestoned streets, as its altitude and steep approach put it beyond the reach of the San Marino Superhighway. San Marino is also notable in that cars are prohibited in much of the city center. Before World War II, a railway was built from San Marino to Rimini under the dictatorship of Benito Mussolini. Its tunnels, and the railway station Piazzale Lo Stradone, still exist. Proposals for the reopening of this railway have been presented to the government on several occasions, but thus far without action. There is a regular bus service to Rimini, and a 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) cable car line connects the capital with Borgo Maggiore. A series of lifts also connects the upper part of the city with the lower.
== Sport ==
The City of San Marino has two football teams: the S.S. Murata and the S.P. Tre Penne. The city had the Olympic Flame pass through San Marino during the run-up to the 2006 Winter Olympics.
== Twin towns – sister cities ==
The City of San Marino is twinned with San Leo, Italy and Rab, Croatia.
We hope you enjoyed this brief tour of the City of San Marino. With its rich history, stunning landmarks, and unique transportation, it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination that should not be missed. Come visit and experience the beauty and charm of this enchanting city for yourself!