The Most Serene Republic of San Marino is internally divided into castles, which can be compared to Italian regions. The Republic is divided into 9 castles, each led by a Castle Captain, elected by popular vote.

The roles of the Councils are fundamental to San Marino as they are the strongest link between citizens and government.

The Castle Captain, who remains in office for 5 years, is surrounded by a staff of 7 to 9 members depending on the number of residents in their respective Castle.

Each of San Marino’s 9 Castles has a unique characteristic, a small gem to discover, a particular that makes it unique. Here’s a brief summary of what you can find when visiting the Castles:

Castle of San Marino City

Although at the entrance of the Castle you’ll only find the inscription “San Marino”, know that for San Marino residents, you are entering the Castle of the City. This is the “slang” name used for the Capital of San Marino.

San Marino City traces its foundation back to 301 AD, the year when the Founding Saint Marino escaped from Rimini and took refuge on Monte Titano.

It would not be too far off to define the Capital of San Marino as one great museum, the districts, the three Towers, the Government Palace, and in general every glimpse represent a unique entity.

The Historic Center of the City has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, together with Monte Titano and the Historic Center of Borgo Maggiore.

San Marino City is a favorite tourist destination, with hundreds of thousands of tourists walking the stone streets of the Historic Center each year, looking for a souvenir, a culinary delight, a photograph, or a beautiful memory to carry in their heart.

Castle of Borgo Maggiore

Borgo Maggiore is synonymous with market town for San Marino residents. From ancient times, every Thursday of the year, a characteristic market is held under the arcades. Today you can find fruits, vegetables, clothes, and services now lost such as the knife sharpener and umbrella maker; in the past, livestock trading was also done.

The area between Monte Titano and the Cable Car, Mercatale Square and the Historic Center, has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Beyond the church in the center, which is beautiful to visit, you can also admire a true masterpiece of modern art, the Sanctuary of Madonna della Consolazione, built according to the design of Architect Giovanni Michelucci.

Castle of Serravalle

Visitors who want to stop in the center of Serravalle will find beautiful views next to the Castle House, while sports enthusiasts can practice activities at the local centers: clay pigeon shooting, an Olympic swimming pool, several stadiums, a baseball stadium, and indoor facilities for volleyball and basketball.

Castle of Faetano

Faetano was one of the last castles to be annexed to San Marino. Before 1463, it was territory of the Malatesta, a very important family from Rimini.

Tourists can visit the center, finding a beautiful church and the Faetano Castle House. Nature lovers will find the walk along the Marano River very pleasant.

Castle of Domagnano

Domagnano offers several truly “precious” points for photo enthusiasts, it is one of the best points from which to photograph both Monte Titano and the Adriatic Riviera! The Domagnano castle is very strategic for San Marino residents, being located “in the middle” of the territory. For this reason, urban construction is very developed and appreciated.

Castle of Chiesanuova

The castle furthest from the sea is Chiesanuova, located on the first mountains of the Apennines. It is a very calm place, where you can enjoy the view of Monte Titano and San Marino, with the Adriatic Sea as a backdrop.

Castle of Acquaviva

The name suggests the presence of a source of pure water, gushing from the rock, once bottled and marketed throughout the territory. Visitors who want to treat themselves to a sweet walk or healthy jogging in the Monte Cerreto park can do outdoor activities immersed in lush greenery.

In Acquaviva, there is also one of the five RV parking areas. Are you thinking of visiting the Republic in an RV? In this article, we explain where to find parking areas and equipped camping.

Castle of Fiorentino

Like Faetano, Fiorentino also became a Castle of San Marino in 1463, escaping the dominion of the Malatesta.

The area is particularly important at the road level, from here you can easily reach: Cattolica, Urbino, and San Leo! These are the “less traveled” routes by tourists during crowded summer days!

Castle of Montegiardino

Montegiardino is a pearl, characterized by a Castle of rare beauty. The inhabitants are very active in maintaining popular festivals, the Living Nativity Scene is one of the most fascinating attractions.

Castle House Locations

• Acquaviva: Piazza Castello Montecerreto
• Borgo Maggiore: Piazza Mercatale
• Chiesanuova: Via Corrado Forti
• Domagnano: Piazza Filippo da Sterpeto
• Faetano: Piazza del Massaro, 5
• Fiorentino: Via la Rena, 30
• Montegiardino: Salita al Castello
• Serravalle: Via Elisabetta da Montefeltro, 18
• City of San Marino: Via Basilicius, 2

Postal Codes of San Marino

• San Marino City: 47890
• Acquaviva: 47892
• Borgo Maggiore: 47893
• Chiesanuova: 47894
• Domagnano: 47895
• Faetano: 47896
• Fiorentino: 47897
• Montegiardino: 47898
• Serravalle: 47899