The outstanding value of the historical and institutional heritage of the Republic of San Marino was recognised on 7 July 2008 with the inclusion of Mount Titano and the Historic Centre of San Marino in the prestigious list of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
According to the Statement of Outstanding Universal Value adopted by UNESCO:
“San Marino is one of the world’s oldest Republics and the only surviving city-state, representing an important stage in the development of democratic models in Europe and worldwide. The tangible expressions of the continuity of its long-lasting existence as the capital of the Republic, its unchanged geo-political context and its juridical and institutional functions are testified to by its strategic position on top of Mount Titano, its historic urban structure, its urban spaces and its numerous public monuments. San Marino iconic status is widely recognised as symbol of a free city-state, illustrated in the political debate, literature and arts throughout the centuries… San Marino and Mount Titano are an exceptional testimony of the establishment of a representative democracy based on civic autonomy and self-governance, with a unique uninterrupted continuity as the capital of an independent Republic since the 13th century. San Marino is an exceptional testimony to a living cultural tradition that has persisted over the last seven hundred years…”
Historical insights
In the Republic of San Marino, the veneration of the Saint who, according to the legend, founded the Republic, is extremely deep-rooted and widespread. The legend tells how this master stone-cutter left his native island of Arbe in Dalmatia and came to Mount Titano to establish a small community of Christians anxious to escape the persecutions of emperor Diocletian. In 301 A.D., the first community from which the Republic of San Marino originated, formed.
First evidence of the independence of San Marino
What is certain is that the area had been inhabited since prehistoric times, but the first document confirming the existence of an organized community on Mount Titano is the Placito Feretrano, a parchment dating back to 885 d.C. , preserved in the State Archives.
Firsts statutes and laws of San Marino
At a time when the authority of the Empire was waning and the temporal power of the Pope had not yet been established, the local population, like those of several other Italian city states, decided to give themselves some form of government. Hence a free city was born. The small community on Mount Titano, in memory of the legendary figure of Marinus, the stone-cutter, called itself “Land of San Marino”, later “Free city of San Marino” and finally “Republic of San Marino”. Government was entrusted to an assembly of the heads of families called the “Arengo” presided over by a Rector.
As the community grew, a Captain Defender was appointed to share the responsibility of the executive with the Rector.
It was only in 1243 that the first two Consuls, the Captains Regent, were elected to office for a period of six months; a twice-yearly appointment made regularly since then right up to now, thereby confirming the efficiency of the institutions.
Always anxious to promote peaceful relations and goodwill, the Arengo drew up and promulgated the first laws, the Statutes, inspired by the principles of democracy. Even though in 1253 there are evidences about the existence of the firsts Statutes, in 1295 the first set of laws is available in the Republic of San Marino.
Autonomy of San Marino Thanks to the wisdom which inspired the ancient free city of San Marino, the community was able to overcome perilous situations and consolidate its independence.
The events of history were complicated and their outcomes often uncertain, but the love of freedom enabled the free city to maintain its liberty.
The Republic of San Marino was twice occupied by military forces, but only for a few months at a time: in 1503 by Cesare Borgia, known as Valentino, and in 1739 by Cardinal Giulio Alberoni. Freedom from Borgia came after the tyrant died, while in the case of Cardinal Alberoni, civil disobedience was used to protest against this abuse of power and clandestine messages were sent to obtain justice from the Pope who recognized San Marino’s rights and restored independence.
Napoleon Bonaparte payed homage to San Marino
In 1797, Napoleon offered gifts and friendship to San Marino and also the extension of its territorial boundaries. The people of San Marino were very grateful and honored by such generosity, but refused with instinctive wisdom to enlarge their territory, satisfied as they were with their “status quo”. In 1815 San Marino was proclaimed an independent state internationally recognized.