Table of Contents
Introduction
The small country of San Marino, completely surrounded by Italy, has a unique claim to fame – it has the oldest surviving governing constitution in the world, dating back to 1600 AD. San Marino also has an incredibly well-preserved set of ancient defensive walls surrounding its historic capital city, also called San Marino. These iconic walls provide a visible timeline of the city’s history and development over nearly seven centuries. Join us on a journey back in time as we explore the construction, purpose, and modern-day experience of strolling atop the ancient walls of San Marino.
Construction of the Walls
The original walls of San Marino were built starting in the late 13th century as protection from rival nearby cities. Construction continued in phases over the next hundred years or so, with the final major additions made in the mid 14th century. The walls utilized locally quarried white stone – likely limestone – along with brown stone for detailing. Unusually for the time, the mortar binding the stone blocks contains crushed brick, which has helped it stand the test of centuries. The walls incorporated defense towers positioned at strategic points to provide overlapping fields of fire guarding against attack.
Sections and Towers
The main sections of San Marino’s city walls include the central Guelph and Ghibelline towers on opposing hills, joined by connecting walls. Other notable towers include Cesta, Montale, and Pennale, which punctuate different parts of the city’s fortifications. While the towers are visually striking, the connecting curtains between them form the bulk of the nearly 2-mile long defensive perimeter surrounding the historic city center.
Purpose and Use Through History
Of course, the original purpose of San Marino’s walls was defensive – with attackers in mind, they were built tall and thick, exceeding 10 feet in places. However, the walls have served numerous other purposes as the centuries passed. Parts of them were adapted into housing, with windows cut into the old stone fortifications to bring light into homes that literally turned the walls inward. Sections were also periodically heightened as weapons improved to allow defensive forces to control increasing distances. More recently in the late 1800s and early 1900s, parts of the walls became foundations for wider military-focused roads circling the city.
Walking the Walls Today
For visitors interested in exploring the walls of San Marino, there are several access points around the perimeter offering stairs up to wall-top walking paths. Some companies offer guided tours to navigate the various passages and learn more about the history. For those looking to take in the walls at their own pace, printed self-guided tour maps are also available. The best sections for scenic views include the lookout by Guaita Tower and the route between the Montale and Contrada del Collegio towers. Late afternoon is an ideal time for photography as the walls’ stones glow golden in the low sun.
Notable Sites Along the Route
Walking the circuit of San Marino’s walls provides angles on the city that can’t be seen any other way. From these heights, you can peer down on notable sites like the Palazzo Pubblico government buildings, Saint Francis’ Church, and Piazza della Liberta dating back as far as the 1400s. Hearing the echo of modern life from these remnants of the past creates a vivid sense of connection with another time. Sections near Contrada Omerelli also provide fascinating views showing how the walls shaped the layout of the city directly abutting them as it expanded.
Threats and Preservation Efforts
While parts of the walls are impressively intact after 700-plus years, other sections are much more worn by the passing time and elements. The walls’ advanced age also means ongoing issues with structural instability and crumbling. However, public and private efforts have invested millions of Euros over recent decades to stabilize, restore, and improve access to the walls to better share their heritage. Ongoing preservation initiatives focus on safety improvements, reconstructing damaged sections, and improving aesthetics.
Impact on the City
San Marino’s walls have helped define the shape, growth, and culture of the city within them over centuries of changing times. As the walls restricted outward expansion, the city grew upward, leading to its densely packed vertical buildings in contrast with more spread-out Italian cities. The walls also engendered a strong sense of community identity and independence that remains today. Their storied history is a deep source of pride helping drive tourism that accounts for an important part of the local economy. San Marino’s identity is truly defined by these medieval stone sentinels ringing its heart.
Conclusion
San Marino’s ancient defensive walls represent an amazing opportunity to literally walk through history high above the capital’s red rooftops. We’ve explored the walls’ multi-phase construction using specialized materials and methods to create a formidable barrier. Adaptations over the centuries show how the walls served the city even as strategies moved past medieval siege defense. Preservation efforts promise the walls will continue standing sentinel over San Marino for generations to come. Their scenic routes connect us viscerally with the past in a way few sites can. Whether on a guided tour or charting your own course, embark on an adventure through time by exploring the walls of San Marino.
5 FAQs
What is the total length of the walls?
The full perimeter of San Marino’s city walls is just under 2 miles.
When were the walls originally built?
Construction began in the late 13th century and continued through the mid 1300s, spanning about 100 years.
What materials were used to build the walls?
They were constructed from locally quarried stones including white limestone and brown detailing. The mortar binding the stones together used an unusual mixture including crushed bricks.
How tall are the walls?
The height varies from around 10 feet to over twice that in the highest sections with towers.
Are the walls also open at night?
Access is limited to daytime hours. The gates are closed at sunset when the walls are closed.