San Marino

Why it's the capital

The city claims to have been founded in 301 by Saint Marinus, a legendary stonemason from the island of Rab who fled the persecution of the Roman emperor Diocletian. The monastic community he started on Monte Titano grew into the town that became the country's capital.

Fun facts

1. Three old towers once protected the city: Guaita, built in the 11th century, Cesta from the 13th century and Montale from the 14th century.
2. Since 2008 the old city and Monte Titano have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed as "San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano".
3. A cable car links the old city with Borgo Maggiore below in a ride of about two minutes, with views over the Province of Rimini and the Adriatic Sea.