Origins of the Castello
The City of San Marino is the oldest residential nucleus of the Republic. Settlement developed along the ridge of Mount Titano and inside the walls stand the seats of the main institutions of the State: the Public Palace, the Great and General Council and the Secretariats of State.
In everyday speech the Sammarinesi simply call the capital "San Marino" or "Città". The Castello ranks third by population, behind Borgo Maggiore and the curazia of Dogana alone (part of Serravalle), but it remains the highest in altitude and the symbolic heart of the Republic.
Territory and borders
The territory of the Castello stretches over 7,09 km² and includes six hamlets besides the historic centre: Murata, Santa Mustiola, Montalbo, Castellaro, Casole and Canepa. It borders the Castelli of Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Fiorentino and Chiesanuova, plus the Italian municipality of San Leo (Pesaro and Urbino).
The historic centre is enclosed by four entrance gates, evidence of the ancient defensive system: St. Francis Gate (also known as Porta del Paese), Fratta Gate, Cliff Gate and Porta della Murata (also called Portanova).
| Residents | 4.130 (31 March 2025) |
|---|---|
| Surface | 7,09 km² |
| Altitude | over 700 m a.s.l. |
| Hamlets/Curazie | Murata · Santa Mustiola · Montalbo · Castellaro · Casole · Canepa |
| Borders with | Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Fiorentino and Chiesanuova |
| Italian municipalities | San Leo (Pesaro and Urbino) |
Source of demographic data: Office of Informatics, Technology, Data and Statistics of the Republic of San Marino, Statistical Bulletin - Q1 2025, Table 1.7.
Places and traditions
The historic centre gathers most of the monuments of the Republic. The skyline of the capital is dominated by the three medieval towers of Guaita, Cesta and Montale, reproduced on the flag and on the State coat of arms. The landscape also features the Basilica of Saint Marinus, which preserves the relics of the founder, the Monastery of St. Clare and the St. Francis Church.
Piazza della Libertà, at the foot of the Public Palace, is the main scenic terrace. From the square the eye reaches the Romagna plain as far as the Adriatic coast. It is here that the official Investiture Ceremony of the Captains Regent takes place, every 1 April and 1 October.
Heraldry of the Castello
The coat of arms reproduces the flag of the Republic with the three golden towers crowned by white plumes. On the field the walls enclose the motto Libertas.
For more on Sammarinese heraldic symbology: flag and coat of arms of the Republic.