Capital of the smallest and oldest republic
in the world, San Marino dominates the high valleys of Mount
Titano.
In the Repubblica di San Marino, the cult dedicated to the saint
credited with its founding is widely diffused and profoundly
felt. According to the legend, a stone carver from the Dalmation
island nation of Arbe climb the mountain and established a small
community of  Christians
fleeing the persecution of the emperor Diocleziano. The territory
has remained virtually unchanged since 1463. The ancient historic
center is enclosed by a 16th-century wall and has retained much
of its Medieval stamp. Its wealth of monuments give this preserved
citacel a huge cultural importance. Three fortified structures
rise up from the top of Mount Titano, still joined today by
walled pasages to the main citadel and encircled by a triple
wall. Inside the walls is a labyrinth of alleys, piazzas, palaces,
churches and Medieval houses -- all made of stone.
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