general information
Legend has it that San Marino was founded in the 4th century. Christians who fled persecution from Dalmatia, among them a stonecutter named Marino. The country has a constitution that has remained essentially unchanged since 1263; According to it, the legislative power belongs to sixty members of the Grand Council, the executive power to ten members of the Council of State and two Captain Regents, who are chosen on April 1 and October 1 for six months, after a magnificent ceremony they take office. San Marino's main sources of income are the sale of postage stamps, coins, arts and crafts, agriculture and tourism.
Sights of San Marino
The best way to enter the ringed Old Town is through Porta San Francesco, a 15th-century gate. The most important building here is the Church of St. Francis, erected in 1361 by Comacini masters, where today a Pinakothek with paintings from the 13th-18th centuries is open. To the northwest of the church there is a memorial stele commemorating the 1849 grant of refuge to San Marino by Garibaldi and his 2,000 supporters. Just above is Piazza della Liberta, the city's central square with the Statue of Liberty by Stefano Galletgui. Here stands the neo-Gothic Palazzo del Governo, built in 1894, also called Pubblico. If you go from here along Contrada del Pianello, you can get to the so-called. Cantona, where the right side of the funicular terminus is located. From here, on the left, the road leads to Cava dei Balestrieri, a parade square where local crossbowmen demonstrate their skills during the tourist season. The neoclassical Basilica di San Marino houses the relics of St. Marino. To the right of the basilica is the Chapel of San Pietro, where, according to legend, the stone beds of St. Marino and his companion St. Leo. The multi-stage Salita alla Rocca leads to ancient fortifications rising on the three peaks of Monte Titano, connected by a passage along the inner side of the fortress wall: Rocca Guaita was built in the 11th century, Rocca Cesta, also called Fratta, in the 13th century. , Rocca Montale - also in the 13th century, and rebuilt in 1935.
How to get there
San Marino can be reached from Rimini along the SS 72 motorway, followed by a winding, steep road. A good alternative is to take the funicular from the town of Borgo Maggiore below.
San Marino(Republic of San Marino) is a state located in Southern Europe. The state is not a member of the European Union and the Schengen Agreement, but you can enter this dwarf country without a visa (for citizens of countries outside the European Union - with a Schengen visa issued by the Italian embassy). San Marino is considered the oldest country in Europe - here the borders of the state have never changed and were established once and for all. The population of San Marino is 32,000 people, less than that of Liechtenstein. The capital is the city of San Marino. Another major city in San Marino is Seravalle, the largest city in the country. San Marino, like Monaco and the Vatican, is an enclave state, which is surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy and has a border with it. San Marino is located in the same time zone. The difference from universal time is one hour.
San Marino is landlocked.
San Marino ranks first in Europe in terms of the amount (% of area) of territory covered with rocks. The country itself has a mixed terrain - most of it is occupied by mountains and rocks - the smaller part is occupied by several settlements.
Forests grow on mountain slopes. Mediterranean vegetation and evergreens predominate.
The Monte Titano mountain range runs through the country. The highest point of San Marino is Mount Titano. The height of the peak is 750 meters.
Several small rivers flow through San Marino. The largest of them is the San Marino River of the same name. Other rivers are Ausa, Cando, Marano, Fiumicello. There are no lakes in San Marino.
Despite its very small size, the state is divided into administrative units. The country's territory consists of nine regions: Acquaviva, Monte Giardino, Serravalle, Borgo Maggiore, Domagnano, Chiesanuova, San Marino, Faetano, Fiorentino.
Map
Roads
Currently there are no railways in the country. The railway line to the capital of the country, the city of San Marino, existed before the Second World War. It was destroyed during the war and was not rebuilt after the war.
The country's roads are in good condition. There are no autobahns in the country.
Story
San Marino has its own history. During its history, the country was occupied only once - by Austria-Hungary. The country's borders have remained unchanged for 1800 years.
The main historical events and periods that the country has:
a) foundation of the state (298-300) - foundation of the state by Saint Marinus;
b) the creation of the General Council of San Marino (XIII century), attempts by the popes to take over the country;
c) war with the Papal States in Italy (1462), defeat of the Vatican in the war;
d) Austro-Hungarian occupation (1849);
e) San Marino during two world wars (1914-1945) - pursuing a policy of neutrality and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries;
e) San Marino in modern times (since 1945).
Minerals
Despite its small size, the country has mineral resources. There are only two deposits here - sulfur and limestone. There is no oil, gas or coal in the country; the country receives all these three energy resources from Italy.
Climate
The climate of San Marino is subtropical Mediterranean, but despite this, the summers are cool - due to the high altitude location of the country. In summer the temperature usually does not rise above 24 degrees Celsius. Winters here are also colder than in surrounding Italy - night temperatures on the coldest days can drop to 6 degrees below zero. Snow falls occasionally.
The official name is the Republic of San Marino (Republica di San Marino). Located in the southern part of Europe. Area 61.2 km2, population 27.7 thousand people. (est. 2002). The official language is Italian; Latin remains the official language. The capital is San Marino (4.3 thousand people, 1993). Public holiday - San Marino Day and Republic Day on September 3 (from 301). The monetary unit is the euro (since 2002, before that the Italian lira).
Member of the UN (since 1992), Council of Europe, FAO, IMF, UNESCO, etc.
Sights of San Marino
Geography of San Marino
Located between 12°25' east longitude and 43°46' north latitude. It has no access to the sea, being an enclave between the Italian regions of Emilia-Romagna and Marche, 20 km from the Adriatic coast. The landscape is hilly. The “core” of the country’s territory is Mount Titano (755 m). There are numerous outlets of groundwater, giving rise to small rivers (Ausa, Masano, San Marino). There are mineral springs. The soils are fertile brown and humus-carbonate. The flora is represented by thickets of evergreen shrubs - maquis (gorse, myrtle, laurel, pistachios, etc.) and many types of essential oil plants (rosemary, sage, thyme, lavender, basil, etc.). There are small oak and chestnut groves. Fossil resources include reserves of building stone and sulfur. The climate is temperate subcontinental (average January temperature –2°C, July +30°C). The average annual precipitation is 880 mm.
Population of San Marino
In recent decades, the influx of population to San Marino has exceeded emigration from the country. At the same time, ok. 13 thousand people of the total population lives abroad. Ethnic composition: Sanmarinians, Italians. The spoken language is Italian (one of the dialects of the Tuscan dialect). The birth rate is 10.64%, infant mortality is 6.09 people. per 1000 newborns (2002 estimate). Average life expectancy is 81.3 years, incl. men - 77.8 years, women - 85.2 years. Sex and age structure of the population: 0-14 years 16.1% (ratio of men and women - 1.06:1), 15 - 64 years 67.5% (0.95:1), 65 years and older 16.4% ( 0.76:1). The overall male to female ratio is 0.93:1. 96% of the population aged 10 years and older can read and write, incl. among men - 97%, among women - 95% (1976 estimate). Urban population 90.5%.
History of San Marino
San Marino is the oldest existing state in Europe and the only city-state of the Apennine Peninsula that retained its independence after the unification of Italy in 1861. According to legend, it was founded as an early Christian community in 301 by the stonemason Marino, who fled from persecution by Emperor Diocletian. In the first centuries of its existence, it was under the protectorate of the Duchy of Urbino; in 855 it gained independence, which it defended many times in internecine wars. Gradually expanding due to the purchase of lands from surrounding rulers, it established itself within modern borders in 1463. The country's independence was recognized in 1631 by the papal throne, and in 1796 it was respected by Napoleon Bonaparte. In the 1830-50s. San Marino served as a political refuge for many fighters for the unification of Italy, incl. for G. Garibaldi. In 1862 it concluded a Treaty of Friendship and Economic Cooperation with the Italian state, which was subsequently revised and expanded several times. In World War I she participated on the side of the Entente. In the 2nd World War, maintaining neutrality, it sheltered approx. 200 thousand refugees from Italy and other European countries.
Government and political system of San Marino
The republican system developed in San Marino at the turn of the 13th-14th centuries, which allows it to be considered the oldest independent republic in the world. The Constitution is in force, adopted in 1600 and supplemented by the electoral law of 1926. It is administratively divided into 9 municipal districts (“castles”): Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano, Fiorentino, Monte Giardino, San Marino and Serravalle. Main cities: the capital of San Marino, the industrial center of Serravalle (more than 7 thousand people) and Borgo Maggiore. Public administration is based on a civil law system similar to the Italian one. The highest legislative body is the Grand General Council (GGC) - a unicameral parliament of 60 people elected for 5 years by universal suffrage from party lists on the basis of proportional representation. The highest executive body is the State Congress (10 secretaries of state), elected from the BSG. The functions of the head of state are entrusted to two equal captain-regents, replaced every six months. A number of functions of the head of government are performed by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs, elected for 5 years (since 2002 this has been F. Stolfi). Local authorities are councils with a term of office of 5 years and captains with a term of office of 2 years. The right to vote (introduced for men in 1909, for women in 1960) is enjoyed by citizens who have reached the age of 18.
In the post-war party system, left-wing forces traditionally occupy an important place. In 1945-57 and 1978-86, coalition governments led by communists and socialists were in power; in other periods, leadership passed to Christian Democrats, who formed governments with the participation of the left. In the 2001 elections, the Christian Democratic Party received 41.4% of the vote (25 seats in parliament), the SP - 24.2% (15), and the Democratic Party - 20.8% (12). Domestic politics is usually influenced by processes taking place in Italy. In foreign policy, the country adheres to the principles of neutrality. There is no compulsory military service, but citizens aged 16-55 can be called up to defend the Fatherland. The armed forces consist of a volunteer corps and a paramilitary gendarmerie.
San Marino has consular relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1956).
Economy of San Marino
The main branch of the economy is tourism, the income from which is approx. 1/2 of GDP. Every year the country is visited by more than 3 million tourists, who leave St. $250 million. Other developed industries are the production of ready-made clothes, electronics and ceramics. In terms of per capita income ($34.6 thousand) and consumer standards, San Marino is at the level of highly developed areas of Italy. The country does not have a national accounting system; According to the IMF, its GDP, taking into account the purchasing power of currencies, in 2001 was $940 million, and the economic growth rate was 7.5%. Unemployment - 2.6%, inflation - 3.3%.
In the employment structure, industry accounts for 42% (including manufacturing industries - over 30%), agriculture - 1%, and services - 57%. Among the extractive industries, the extraction of building stone and sulfur stands out (exported); a significant part of manufacturing enterprises operates in cooperation with Italian companies. Wood and equipment for its processing, chemicals, tiles, varnishes, etc. are also exported. The energy sector is based on gas and more than 3/4 is supplied from Italy. The basis of agriculture is intensive farming. Wheat, barley, grapes, corn, and olives are cultivated on more than 60% of the territory. Livestock farming is also intensive - breeding livestock (cattle, sheep, pigs) and poultry. By agreement, pastures outside the country are used. Sericulture has been practiced for a long time. Olive oil, wine, and green onions are exported.
San Marino's transport links with the outside world go through the port of Rimini, with which it is connected by a 4-lane motorway and a 32 km long electrified railway. The total length of roads is 220 km. The country has no waterways or air connections. There is a 1.5 km cable car between the capital and Borgo Maggiore. The San Marino merchant fleet, consisting of several small ships, is based in the port of Rimini. The telephone system is included in the Italian one, incl. international. There is a TV station and the Internet.
Economic policy traditionally focuses on maintaining budget balance. The country is characterized by a high level of social security spending. From ser. 19th century there is free medical care and schooling. In 2001, approx. 3% of GDP, for healthcare - St. 6%. 42.6% of GDP passes through the state budget (according to estimates for 2000, income and expenses amounted to approximately $400 million). In addition to tourism, significant funds are generated by the issue of collectible postage stamps (since 1847) and coins for numismatists. According to the 1862 agreement on a customs and postal union with Italy, San Marino has the right to annual compensation for the abandonment of a number of state monopolies (in 2000 - approximately $5.3 million). Military expenses amount to approx. 700 thousand dollars per year.
San Marino's foreign economic operations are included in Italian national statistics. According to IMF estimates for 1996, the foreign trade balance had a positive balance of $22.6 million and a current account surplus of $10.7 million. The main trading partner is Italy, where raw materials, consumer goods, food, and equipment come from.
Science and culture of San Marino
The education system is built according to the 5+3+5 scheme, which includes compulsory primary and secondary education for children aged 6 to 14 years. There is a university in the capital (50 students).
The country has a great cultural heritage (architectural and historical monuments of the Middle Ages, museums, a library, a repository of ancient documents, an art gallery, etc.). Many ancient holidays are preserved.
SAN MARINO...2
Introduction. 3
HISTORY… 4
STATE STRUCTURE… 12
ARENGO… 12
GREAT GENERAL COUNCIL. 12
CAPTAIN REGENTS… 13
COUNCIL XII 13
STATE CONGRESS… 14
LOCKS CONTROLS… 14
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS… 14
ATTRACTIONS… 16
GOVERNMENT PALACE… 16
FORTRESS WALLS… 17
FORTRESSES… 18
THE FIRST FORTRESS OF GUAITA... 18
SECOND FORTRESS OF HONOR... 19
THIRD FORTRESS OF MONTALE. 20
ENTRY RULES… 21
CUSTOMS RULES… 21
HELP PHONE… 21
Literature… 22
SAN MARINO
Repubblica di San Marino
Captain Regent: | Antonello Baciocchi and Rosa Zafferani (1999) |
60 km2 (23.4 mil2) |
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Population: | 25,061(1999) |
San Marino 2,397 |
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Currency unit: | Italian lira. |
Italian |
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Roman Catholics |
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Literacy: | |
Economy: | GDP: $500 million (1997) |
Industry: | tourism, textiles, electronics, ceramics, cement, wines, olive oil. |
building stone, lime, chestnut, wheat, hides, conservation. |
|
industrial goods, food. |
Introduction
The Republic of San Marino is the smallest and oldest independent state in the world. The country's territory has the shape of an irregular quadrangle and covers an area of 60.57 sq. km.
Above the hilly terrain rises the harsh calcareous relief of the Monte Titano hill (750 meters above sea level), on the southwestern slope of which the city of San Marino, the capital of the republic, is located. Scattered in the countryside at the foot of Titano are eight estates of the famous SANMARI CASTLES, with an administrative control of eight Councils called the "Castle Board", the President of which is entitled to the title of "Castle Captain". The entire territory is divided into nine administrative districts: San Marino, Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano, Fiorentino, Montegiardino and Serravalle.
The Republic of San Marino is located in the central part of Italy between the regions of Marco and Romagna, several tens of kilometers from the Apennine Mountains and only 22 kilometers from the resort town of Rimini, with which it is connected by a modern motorway of the highest category.
The population (1998 estimate) is about 24,900 people, with an average population density of about 408 people per km2. Ethnic groups: Sanmarinians 80%, Italians 18%. Average life expectancy (as of 1998): 77 years - men, 85 years - women. The birth rate (per 1000 people) is 10.5. The mortality rate (per 1000 people) is 8.1. The official language is Italian, the religion is Catholic, the currency is the Sanmarine lira, equivalent to the Italian one.
The territory, crossed by two large rivers Ausa and San Marino, is covered with green forests and parks, which are the pride of every Sanmariner. The climate is mild and healing, thanks to the proximity of the Adriatic Sea.
STORY
According to legend, in the 4th century AD. one stonemason, a Christian named MARINO, who came from Arbe, an island in Dalmatia, to participate in the construction of the port in Rimini, hid on Mount Titano from the persecution of Christians by the edicts of the pagan emperor Diocletian.
In a short time, the fame of the Holy Man spread (Marino was canonized during his lifetime - hence the prefix “san”), other believers joined him, and the first Christian community was born on Mount Titano.
Bishop Gaudenzio of Rimini ordained MARINO to the rank of deacon, and the Roman patrician Donna Felicissima, a convert to the Christian faith, gave him Mount Titano as a gift.
After MARINO’s death, the community created around him did not disintegrate, but continued to build its life, not forgetting the last words of the saint: I LEAVE YOU FREE FROM OTHER PEOPLE (Relinquo vos liberos ab utroque homine).
As the most ancient evidence of the existence of this community, we can mention the monk Eugipius, who lived between the 5th and 6th centuries, who narrates the life of a certain Basilicia, a monk from Mount Titano.
Subsequent documents, such as the “Feretrano Judicial Letter” of 885, kept in the State Archives, are clear evidence of the organization of civil life in the spirit of independence, which does not give anyone the right to claim in relation to the people living on Mount Titano.
The community's policy over the centuries, which can be expressed in the saying “What is known to us is unknown to others,” led to a sharp increase in raids on the Sanmarinians, and in the 10th century fortifications and fortress walls began to be built to protect against attacks.
The existence of a fortified city is confirmed by the “Diplo Berengarius” of 951 and the “Bulla of Honorius III” of 1126. Cardinal Anglico wrote in 1371 that the city was located "on a high cliff with three impregnable fortresses"
Until this time, the life of the population was based on the laws they created, then on the laws of the Longobards. Subsequently, state institutions were gradually transformed, defensive fortifications were strengthened, and circumferential walls were built connecting three fortifications. Water supply was provided from capacious tanks for collecting rainwater. The first tanks, the so-called “fossi”, were located in the first belt of defensive structures, next to the 1st fortress. The remaining cisterns, including larger ones (still existing today), are located under the square in front of the Government Palace and were built in the period 1471-1478.
The formation of the Commune in San Marino, which had a Statute and its own consuls, dates back to the 11th century. Population growth led to the need to expand the territory, and this led to the acquisition of the Castles of Pennarossa and Casole. Documents on monetary settlements date back to 1200 and are stored in the State Archives.
The oldest manuscript of the Statute dates from 1295. Subsequently, six more Statutes were issued. The last one, dated September 21, 1600, consists of six volumes containing 314 articles.
While in Italy the population suffered from the cruel tyranny of several powerful families, the people of San Marino maintained a free way of life, for the protection of which armed militias were created, subordinate to the CAPTAIN REGENTS, in whose hands was the executive power. The people created new laws and changed them through a council of all heads of families, called ARENGO (an important state body that has survived to this day).
With the growth of church power on the territory of the peninsula, civil strife between the Ghibellines and Guelphs became increasingly bloody. The people of Sanmarino, who, unfortunately, have been influenced by events in Italy for centuries, did not remain aloof from this struggle. Thus, for the first time, disagreements arose between the civilian population on Mount Titano; and the supporters of the Ghibellines (adherents of the emperor) sent into exile the supporters of the Guelphs (adherents of the pope). It is likely that a consciousness close to the ideas of the Ghibellines matured in the inhabitants of San Marino in the centuries-long struggle to defend themselves against claims to jurisdiction and taxation by neighboring bishops.
A great friend of the inhabitants of Mount Titano was Bishop Feretrano UGOLINO of the Feltria family, who, despite his rank, was an incorrigible Ghibelline. This cost Bishop Ugolino and the Sanmarinians excommunication by Pope Innocent IV. Two years later, in 1249, the anathema was lifted from them in Perugia.
But neither excommunication nor subsequent forgiveness led to peace and harmony.
Having sided with the Ghibelline Guido da Montefeltro and, subsequently, his son Federico, the Sanmarines continued to fight against Guelfo from Rimini, where power belonged to the Malatesta family of tyrants.
This continued until the peace of Romagna was concluded in 1299. The first attempt to bring San Marino under the authority of the pope was the arrival in 1291 of a certain canon Theodoric, who called on the inhabitants to pay tribute to the high priest and recognize themselves as his subjects.
The Sanmarinos refused, defending their noble origin and their independence. To resolve the controversial issue, judge PALAMED from Rimini, one of the most authoritative experts in law of that time, was invited, his maxim was favorable to the residents of San Marino.
Soon, in 1296, the Sanmarines had to withstand a new onslaught: this time from the Feretrano fathers, who, under the same pretext, tried to establish their influence on Mount Titano, and perhaps they would have succeeded, but the Sanmarines brought this matter to the attention of the pope Boniface VIII, whose legates confirmed the decision of Judge Palameda and recognized the complete freedom and independence of San Marino.
But the peaceful existence did not last long.
The church authorities of the nearby regions tried by any means to subjugate the Sanmarinians, but they always responded with dignity blow for blow.
In 1303, ambassadors from the Feretrano Church who arrived in San Marino were taken into custody, and hostilities began again, which ended successfully for the Sanmarinos, whose brave militia forced Bishop Uberto to sign peace in 1320.
In 1322, the signoria of Count Federico of Montefeltro, an ally of the Sanmarines, fell out of favor. Bishop Benvenuto and the Malatesta family from Rimini tried to attract the Sanmarinos to their side with the help of gifts and grants such as forgiveness of the church, tax exemption for Sanmarino property outside the country, the right to free trade, and the ability to transfer rent from investments to San Marino. In exchange, it was requested to consider Urbino, who at that time took refuge in San Marino, as enemies.
The price of treason was too high, and the Sanmarines decided to refuse and continued the fight against Malatesta until 1366.
For a long time, Malatesta worried the Sanmarinians with his attacks, but the arrogance of the signor from Rimini turned against him, as his relations with Pope Pio II and his ally Alfonso of Aragon, the king of Naples, deteriorated, from whom Malatesta fraudulently took a large sum of money.
In this situation, on September 21, 1461, the Sanmarines signed a treaty of alliance with the Church of Rome and again began a war that ended in 1463 with the conquest of the castles of Fiorentino, Montegiardino and Serravalle, which belonged to the Malatesta family, and the castle of Faetano voluntarily joined the Republic.
This was the last war of the Sanmarinians, after which the borders of the country’s territory no longer underwent changes.
The country enjoyed peace for several decades, but then in 1503 Cesare Borgia, Duke of Valentino, son of Pope Alexander VI, took over the Republic. Fortunately, the Sanmarines did not have to endure tyranny for long; after a few months, taking advantage of the fact that an uprising arose in the Duchy of Urbino, the Sanmarines rose up to fight against the troops of Valentina and, thanks to brave warriors and good weapons, defeated the enemy.
Almost 40 years later, or rather during the papacy of Paul III, on the night of June 4, 1542, FABIAN DA MONTE SANSOVINO tried to conquer San Marino, having 500 soldiers, a lot of cavalry and everything necessary to storm the fortress walls. But due to thick fog, enemy troops were unable to approach the city before sunrise, and the plan to surprise and destroy the Sanmarines failed. Fabiano da Monte Sansovino returned to his original positions, and from that time on it was not possible to accurately identify those responsible for this criminal action, but the ambassador of Emperor Charles V in Rome offered the Sanmarines imperial privileges and recommended not to trust the papal ministers in Romagna.
Subsequently, in 1631, after the death of the last Duke of Urbino, the rule of the duchy was transferred to the Holy See. In the same year, the treaty of protection signed between San Marino and the Holy See back in 1602 came into force.
At that time, the Republic was experiencing a deep crisis in social and economic life: lack of interest in state affairs and indifference of the Sanmarinians, whose level of culture was falling lower and lower. This process was facilitated by the extinction of some noble families who took the defense of freedom to heart, and the emigration abroad in search of work and honors of the best representatives of society (in modern parlance - “brains”).
This negative period lasted until 1739, when the Republic experienced the most serious attack on the country's freedom and independence in its entire centuries-old history. Under the pretext of the arrest of two Sanmarinist conspirators, which took place in a church, CARDINAL ALBERTONI, papal legate in the province of Romagna, entered San Marino with his troops on October 17, 1739.
The invasion was preceded by a number of dishonest undertakings, such as the arrest of Sanmarinos in the Italian territory of Romagna or the blockade of borders, preventing the supply of necessary food to San Marino. Cardinal Alberoni failed to break the Sanmarines, and he decided to resort to force and occupied the territory.
The houses of noble and respected citizens were robbed because their owners refused to swear an oath of allegiance to the pope, the captain-regents were abolished and replaced by Gonfaloniere and two guardians of order.
The Sanmarinians, not wanting to submit to tyranny, sent secret messages of protest to the Pope, asking him to save them from unheard-of and criminal lawlessness.
Cardinal Enrico Enriquez arrived from Rome to Mount Titano, sent here to examine the situation in San Marino. After his investigation, the Pope removed Cardinal Alberoni from the borders of San Marino, and on February 5, 1740, freedom and sovereignty were restored to the Republic. This event had a beneficial effect on the Republic, which woke up from the apathy and indifference of previous years. The spirit of defense was revived, and citizens, feeling a surge of love for the Motherland, again felt republican pride.
The episode with Cardinal Albertoni was superbly described by the poet CARDUCCI in 1894 in his famous speech on “eternal freedom.”
The future also held bright moments in the lives of the Sanmarinians. During the Italian campaign, NAPOLEON BONAPARTE passed near the borders of the tiny Republic.
Admiring the pride of this small people and its traditions of freedom, Napoleon declared: “SAN MARINO SHOULD BE PRESERVED AS AN EXAMPLE OF LIBERTY,” and sent Monge, his ambassador and eminent mathematician, to Mount Titano, instructing him to express his friendly disposition to the Sanmarinians. Such high recognition of the traditions of freedom and independence has never before been addressed to the Republic of San Marino. Warm relations with France continued in 1805.
Bonaparte received with all honors ANTONIO ONOFRI, the envoy of the Republic, who came to Milan to extend the Commercial Treaty already concluded between San Marino and the Cisalpine Republic. After Napoleon Bonaparte, the independence of San Marino was recognized and confirmed by the participants of the Congress of Vienna in 1815, who included its name with the corresponding sovereign characteristics among the European states.
The Republic of San Marino did not remain aloof from the struggle for Italian national unity and provided temporary shelter and protection to patriots and refugees who knocked on its door. Many famous figures took refuge here in anticipation of the resumption of the struggle. The Sanmarinians are especially proud of one outstanding event. After the fall of the Roman Republic, Garibaldi, not surrendering to the enemy, stopped with his volunteers at the borders of the Republic.
Pursued by the Austrians, he entered San Marino and asked for refuge for himself and his 2,000 soldiers. The soldiers received shelter, provisions, and the wounded received medical care. The government of the Republic asked in exchange to protect the country from the misfortunes and destruction of war. General Garibaldi gave his consent, made a speech from the top of the main staircase of the Capuchin Convention, addressing the troops, about the dissolution of the first Roman Legion.
That same night, while the Austro-Papal troops were encircling the Republic, Garibaldi and his 250 loyal comrades, with the help of the San Marino NICOLAS ZANI, escaped from San Marino 15 minutes before the final encirclement.
The papal authorities were unhappy that Garibaldi was given assistance and tried to take revenge for this. A serious danger for the Republic came in 1854, when the Papal authorities proposed to the Duke of Tuscany to seize San Marino, the “nest of liberals,” by military means. The intervention of France, which sent its ambassador to San Marino to offer the protection of Emperor Napoleon III, prevented the danger.
Sanmarine volunteers took part in all Italian battles for independence, including the war of 1915-1918, and a MILITARY FIELD HOSPITAL with Sanmarine personnel operated at the fronts.
During the outbreak of the Second World War, the Republic scrupulously observed traditional neutrality, and the unfortunate Italian brothers were given asylum in the country; more than one hundred thousand refugees (eight times the then population) found shelter here.
STATE STRUCTURE
ARENGO
The Arengo, or assembly of heads of families, was the supreme body in ancient times. Subsequently, due to the difficulty of passing laws by such a large assembly, its legislative power passed to the Great General Council.
However, the arengo retained the right to modify the Statutes of the Republic and the “right of petition.” This last right is still exercised at the present day, and captains-regents receive numerous petitions from the citizens on the first Sunday after the 1st of April and after the 1st of October.
Thus, an important instrument of democracy remains in the hands of the people, allowing them to have direct connections with the highest government bodies. Submitted applications must be reviewed within 6 months.
At the beginning of 1600, the Council, despite recognizing Arengo’s sovereign prerogatives in documents, practically deprived him of his powers, and for about three centuries the assembly was not convened. On March 25, 1906, the popular assembly of the heads of families (arengo), meeting in the main temple of San Marino, restored its ancient rights. It was decided to elect the members of the Great General Council by universal suffrage, thus abolishing re-election entirely by co-optation, as had been done before.
The Grand General Council is the parliament of the Republic; it consists of 60 deputies elected by universal suffrage using a system of proportional representation for a term of 5 years.
The Great General Council has legislative, legal and administrative powers. The competence of the Great General Council is also the publication of laws and decrees, the ratification of treaties and agreements, and the appointment of diplomatic and consular representatives.
The Council has the power to declare pardons, amnesties and rehabilitation and to appoint magistrates and public authorities.
The Council elects two captain-regents, the Congress of State, Council XII, government auditors and commissioners of the regency.
CAPTAIN-REGENTS
Captain Regents are elected for a term of 6 months, from 1 April to 1 October and from 1 October to 1 April each year. They perform the functions of the head of state and exercise executive power. Captain-regents have the right to the title "Your Excellency", they preside over meetings of the Great General Council, Council XII, State Congress. The Captain-Regents act jointly and every decision must be made by mutual consent, otherwise they have veto power over each other.
They can be re-elected to this post no earlier than three years from the end of their mandate, at the end of which the captain-regents may be called upon to report on their activities before a special court of “regency commissioners”, which must evaluate their activities, taking into account the complaints presented and everything that was done and not done during their mandate.
Council XII, according to the provisions of the Statute, revised by law in 1923, is the highest judicial body and performs functions relating to civil, criminal and administrative matters. The XII Council has special competence in the field of administrative court in the sense that every citizen or organization who considers their rights to be violated in any decision or resolution of an administrative nature can apply to the XII Council in order to obtain a review or annulment of the decision.
Council XII also functions as a “third instance” to achieve “double compliance” in the event that the verdict of the first instance court differs (even partially) from the verdict of the appellate court.
In addition, Council XII gives permission for the acquisition of real estate of citizens, recognizes the creation of organizations that do not pursue profit-making purposes, and gives permission to the latter to carry out property transactions.
Council XII also deals with the protection of the property of widows and orphans.
STATE CONGRESS
The State Congress, usually consisting of 10 members under the authority of the Regency, was created in 1945 by the merger of two organizations: the Economic Congregation and the Congress of Foreign Affairs. Based on the law of May 15, 1945, the State Congress exercises executive power together with the regents and, in practice, is the government of the country. It is divided into ten departments, each of which is headed by one member of Congress entitled to the title of Deputy, and the heads of the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Interior and Finance bear the title of Secretary of State.
LOCKS BOARDS
Administratively, the territory of the Republic of San Marino is divided into nine districts, or “castles” as they are called here, governed by the Council, i.e. The “Castle Board”, headed by the “Captain”, elected from among the board members on Wed. two years, which can be extended. Castle council elections, which usually take place every four years, involve all voters who are residents of the respective districts.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
The main strength of the Republic is the high civic spirit of the inhabitants of San Marino, which is manifested in the main directions of the country's international policy, according to which the Sanmarinos have established cooperation with a number of important international organizations. San Marino is a member state of the Universal Postal Union, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the League of Societies of the International Red Cross, the International Chamber of Justice, the UN Conference on Trade and Development, the International Institute of Economic Sciences, the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, the World Tourism Organization, International Union for the Defense of Industrial Property, International Union of Salvation, International Telecommunications Union, UNESCO, World Health Organization, International Labor Organization, etc....
San Marino is a full member of the European Council and an observer country at the UN in New York.
San Marino has diplomatic missions and consulates in many countries, which, in turn, accredit their ambassadors and consuls to Mount Titano.
ATTRACTIONS
GOVERNMENT PALACE
The government palace, built by local stonemasons, was built according to the design of the Roman architect Francesco Azzurri on the site of an old palace from the 16th century.
Construction, which began in 1884, lasted 10 years, with the grand opening taking place on September 30, 1894. The outstanding orator Giosue Carducci delivered his famous speech “on eternal freedom” during the opening ceremony.
The facade of the palace is richly decorated with the coats of arms of the castles of the Republic. In its lower part there are porticoes with three lancet vaults, on the middle floor you can see a framed memorial inscription, and the second floor is decorated with three large single-leaf windows with lancet arches. The second floor has small windows. The upper part of the palace is crowned with a row of Guelph battlements. On the left is a bell tower with a clock, also decorated with battlements; above them is the figure of St. Marino standing between St. Agatha and St. Leo.
In the right corner of the palace, at the level of the middle floor, there is a bronze statue of San Marino on a pedestal, and under the porticoes, on the right, there is a marble bust of the architect Francesco Azzurri by Giulio Tadolini. The interior of the church is made in a medieval style, strict and solemn. The tour begins in the atrium, richly decorated with coats of arms, plaques and a bronze bust of Giosuè Carducci by Tullio Golfarelli. Climbing the magnificent staircase to the first floor, one can enter the Assembly and Audience Hall and the Council Chamber with 60 wingback chairs for Councilors; in the hall there is a monumental fireplace, decorated with the coats of arms of Sanmarinsky castles. From here you can get to the Voting Hall and, through a spiral staircase, to the flat roof and to the tower, from the height of which a magnificent panorama opens.
In front of the Government Palace is Liberty Square, or, as it is also called, Pianello, in the center of which stands the Statue of Liberty by the sculptor Galetti, donated to San Marino by the Berlin Countess Otilie Geyroth Wagener in 1876.
Behind the statue, right in the stone covering of the square, there is a marble slab with the directions of the four cardinal directions carved on it.
Under the square there are capacious tanks for collecting rainwater, which in past centuries served to provide water to the Sanmarinians.
Opposite the Government Palace is the former Post Office building, rebuilt in the style of the 14th century on the site of the “small building” of the commune. On the right side of the façade of this building there is a stone slab on which are carved ancient measures of length that were in use until 1907; subsequently the decimal metric system was adopted. The beautiful panorama from the square allows you to see the Montalbo cemetery, another important monumental work of the Azzurri architect, at the foot of the city.
FORTRESS WALLS
The city of San Marino was fortified and protected by three belts of fortress walls erected at different times. The first belt (around the Guaita fortification) included the outer walls of the fortress and stretched to the crest of the rock on which the ancient Pieve rose. Within this belt there were ancient cisterns, the so-called “fossi”, which served for water supply.
The second belt was already in operation at the beginning of the 14th century, but was built in parts: its oldest part, dating back to the 13th century, surrounded the city, including the area of the Government Palace. Capacity tanks were also installed within its boundaries to collect rainwater.
The construction of the third and last belt, designed by the architect Giovan Battista Belluzzi, was completed in 1549.
With the growth and expansion of the city, most of the ancient walls were destroyed, but you can admire part of the wall (third belt) connecting the Porta della Rupe with the Porta San Francesco and with the Torrione Tower of the Teatro Titano.
Of the second belt, a beautiful part has been preserved, restored in 1921, leading from the second Fratta tower to the Cava Antica parking lot.
The walls connecting the fortresses of Fratta and Montale (3rd tower) were built during the construction of the third and final belt.
FORTRESSES
At the top of Mount Titano rise three fortresses, or, as they are also called, towers - Guaita, Chesta and Montale, which in past centuries have become a formidable defense of the freedom and independence of the Sanmarinians. No one managed to break their fortitude and conquer these fortifications; the main enemy, which led to their almost complete destruction, was the careless attitude of the Sanmarinians towards these sights. Even the surrounding defensive walls were looted for stones, which were used to pave roads and build residential buildings. Only at the beginning of this century, with the revival of national consciousness, restoration work began, ending by the end of the twenties.
Currently, these buildings, visible from the sea coast, fill the hearts of the residents of San Marino with pride and attract millions of tourists every year from all over the world.
FIRST FORTRESS OF GUAITA
It is impossible to determine exactly when the Sanmarinians began the construction of the first defensive fortifications. The date of the founding of the city is lost in legends, although it would be legitimate to assume that the construction of Guaita began around the 10th century. Already in 1371, Cardinal Anglico wrote: “... on the top of a high cliff, on which rise three impregnable fortifications...”.
The first fortress, called Guaita, consists of two fortification belts, one of which, the inner one, has retained all the characteristics of forts of the feudal era.
The entrance gate was located at a height of several meters, and entry through it was possible only with the help of a drawbridge, now destroyed. The fortress was repeatedly subjected to restoration work: in 1416, 1479, 1479, 1482, 1549 and 1615.
The fortress houses some examples of artillery pieces, gifts from the kings of Italy Vittorio Emmanuele II and Vittorio Emmanuele III, which are still operational and fire blank charges during national holidays.
Until the end of the sixties, the fortress had a sad purpose, serving as a prison; it currently houses an exhibition on the origins and reconstruction of the fortifications.
SECOND FORTRESS OF HONOR
Cesta, sometimes called Fratta, is the second fortification of the city. The fortress was built in the first half of 1200 and was subsequently restored many times. The last, most significant work, which returned the ancient, primitive beauty to the entire complex, was carried out in 1925.
The fortress of Chesta (Fratta), like Guaita, was built on the edge of an abyss, on the highest peak of Mount Titano, and its whole appearance speaks of the invincible spirit and perseverance of the ancient inhabitants of San Marino.
In the Chest fortification there is a museum of ancient weapons, the exhibits of which date from the Middle Ages to the early 1900s.
THE THIRD FORTRESS OF MONTALET
The year of construction of Montale is unknown, which is a single tower with a pentagonal base and an entrance gate located at a height of several meters from the ground. The tower was restored in 1743.
Perhaps the Sanmarinians intended to complete the construction of the fortress, turning it into one of the important fortifications, but, with the change in the situation in the country, this need disappeared. The tower served as an observation and sentry tower, as well as to protect Cesta's left flank from surprise attacks by Malatesta troops from nearby Fiorentino.
ENTRY RULES
The country is part of the Schengen zone; to enter you must have a passport and a visa, which is issued free of charge. Registration of citizens arriving in the country for a short time is not carried out. Each tourist is required to carry $50 per day for the first 10 days of stay and $25 per day for the subsequent period. The availability of money can be proven by attaching copies to the application: either a certificate of purchase of currency, or traveler's checks, or a credit card with an account statement. An interesting detail: the originals of the listed documents must be presented at the time of application.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
There is no special inspection, no special declaration is required either at entry or exit. There are no restrictions on the import of liras and other currencies. You can freely export up to 20 million liras or an equivalent amount in other currencies. The export of large amounts must be authorized by customs authorities. To import hunting weapons, you need a permit issued by the Italian consular office. It is endorsed at the border upon entry. The transit of historical valuables and documents is prohibited without accompanying permits from the relevant authorities. Pets may be imported with a veterinarian's certificate and valid rabies vaccinations.
HELP PHONE
(06)100. Carabinieri (military police) - 112. Police - 113. Fire department - 115. Italian Automobile Club - 116.
Literature
1. Pechnikov B.A. The numbers on the map indicate... M., 1986
2. Dakhin V.N. Republic of San Marino. M., 1989
3. Encyclopedia “Around the World” - (http://www.krugosvet.ru/articles/37/1003767/1003767a1.htm)
4. Website “San Marino” - (http://sanmarino.narod.ru/index.htm)
A romantic trip to Europe brought us to San Marino. What a pity that we only had 1 day to stroll through the cozy streets and enjoy the wonderful scenery from the high cliffs. But even this time was enough to fall in love with San Marino.
Where is San Marino
Republic of San Marino takes only 60.57 square kilometers in the center Apennine Peninsula- the famous boot of Europe. San Marino is located inside Italy and has no borders with other countries. And the republic has no borders as such - no one checks passports upon entry.
Capital of San Marino is located Monte Titano 738 meters high above the sea, from where you can observe 360 degrees green plains of Italy and the endless blue surface Adriatic Sea. Very often the mountain is shrouded in clouds, and the city.
To get to, you must first be in Italy. Your airport the republic does not have one, and the closest one is in a popular tourist Italian city Rimini 22 kilometers away. From Rimini you can take a bus or taxi. The distance from Rome is 350 kilometers, and from Venice - 280. Do not be afraid of long distances - the roads in Italy are toll and very good.
The total population in San Marino is 33 thousand people who communicate in Italian and visit Catholic churches.
To San Marino fresh air- there are no large factories here, but food industry well developed. Many residents work in wineries, flour mills and bakeries. Highly valued and ceramic products, produced in San Marino.
Sights of San Marino
Although San Marino is not large in area, there is a lot to see. Among the attractions you will be interested in:
- Church of St. Francis;
- Central square of the city;
- Basilica;
- Ancient fortress;
- People's Palace.
San Marino is very popular among tourists, because the republic is duty free zone. The narrow streets are lined with shops of world brands and local craftsmen. Most sellers understand English and Russian speech, you can negotiate with them discounts.
After the excursion and successful shopping, we took a ride on funicular from a bird's eye view, drank a cup of coffee and already dreamed of returning to San Marino again .