RESTAURANT

SAN MARINO

From the crest of Monte Titano, the peak at the hearth of the world's oldest republic, the view stretches west over folded mountain ranges to the borders of the Tuscany; east over Romagna's coastal plain to the Adriatic; north and south the Apennines, Italy's spine, stretch out of sight.

The great castle that for centuries guarded the liberty of this tiny land tower around you, and below the steep cobbled streets of its capital wind away, ending at cliffside ramparts. Further below still, level after level of honeyed stone houses and church towers descends to farmland dotted with tiny villages, each one clustered around its central fortress.

Traditionally, San Marinowas founded in 301 AD by the country's eponymous patron saint, an exile from Dalmatia long before the Croats arrived there. What is certainly true is that for over a thousand years, as far back as the historical record stretches, the Sammarinese have been a free, independent community. Never in history has this country been ruled by a king, or a duke, or a lord, but always by its own free citizens.

The hearth of the civil governement of San Marino is the Palazzo Pubblico, a white stone tower rearing over the cliffs of Monte Titano. Soldiers in ornate, brightly - coloured uniforms guard the massive doors od the Palazzo. On feast days the heads of the state, the two Captains Regent of the country, lead the members of the Congress of State and the Great and General Council, the tiny republic's Cabinet and Parliament, in solemn procession to the Basalica of San Marino to give thanls for the continued preservation of the land's ancient liberties.

Informations
Surface - 61 Kmq
People - 26.266
Language - italian
Government: Great and General Council, Parliament (unicameral)
Indipendence - from 301 d.C. It was 1700 years from Republic's Foundation (dfR)
National Holiday- 3 Septembre (Republic Foundation)

SURROUNDINGS

Historical city and seaside resort. Capital of business and holiday tourism in Italy, Rimini has a big and well organized beaches. Bars, restaurants, discos and amusements for any kind of leisure, night and day from June to September . Sights: Tempio Malatstiano, Arco d'Augusto and Ponte di Tiberio.

From Verucchio driving through the Marecchia river, once navigable, you can reach Montebello. A very small medieval town where you can find three excellent restaurants and very good wine library in the tower of the Azzurina's castle.

Ravenna is a city of art and culture, of mosaics and ancient city which 1500 years ago was capital three times. The beauty of the mosaics and harmony of the architecture are not all that you can find. In Ravenna you can stroll among bell-towers and monastic cloister, the fresoces in Giotto style of Santa Chiara, to the baroque apse of sant'Apollinare Nuovo. Ravenna is roman, Byzantine and also medieval, venetian and finally modern and contemporary, civilized and hospitable, full of events and shows of international prestige.

Santarcangelo di Romagna is a very special town, maybe for its double soul: simple and noble at the same time. Both for its traditions, its invaluable monuments, the mysterious caves fot its exceptional craftsmen, culture, fairs, excellent cuisine and its people that tell stories sitting down in the medieval alley; Santarcangelo is a recommended excursion.

Medieval little town located on the top of an hill with a wonderful view. The castle overlooks the town and the valley, where Malatesta family fighted against other local families.

Wonderful medieval town in the hearth of Montefeltro land. Local handicrafts and antique. Jazz concerts in August. IN the Malatesta's castle is possible to visit the cell where the famous heretic and alchemist Count Cagliostro was imprisoned until his death.

Arriving in Urbino you can see the Palazzo Ducale and the ancient town, seat of the oldest university of Italy. Urbino is the capital of the Montefeltro's dynasty, competitor of the Malatesta's and native land of the duke Federico d'Urbino, the most famous personality of the late Middle Ages. The town is the birth-place of an important painter: Rafaello Sanzio and you can visit his house too. The Palazzo Ducale contains masterpieces of Rafaello, Tiziano and Piero della Francesca.