San Marino — Capital of San Marino

The City of San Marino, perched atop Mount Titano, is the capital of the Most Serene Republic of San Marino — which claims to be the world's oldest surviving republic, continuously governed since 301 AD. According to tradition, the republic was founded by a Christian stonemason named Marinus, originally from the island of Rab (in present-day Croatia), who fled Roman persecution and established a small community on the mountain. That community eventually became a sovereign state that has outlasted empires, wars, and centuries of European upheaval.

San Marino's system of dual leadership is one of the world's most unusual. Two Captains Regent serve simultaneously as co-equal heads of state, each elected for a six-month term. They cannot be re-elected for at least three years after their term ends, and if there is an irreconcilable dispute between them, a special tribunal can be called to remove them. The system dates back to the medieval period and remains in use today.

The Three Towers of San Marino — Guaita, Cesta, and Montale — stand on three separate peaks of Mount Titano and are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guaita is the oldest and most famous, dating to the 11th century. The towers are the defining image of San Marino and appear on the country's coat of arms.

During World War II, San Marino remained neutral and sheltered an estimated 100,000 Italian refugees — an extraordinary number for a country of its size. The Formula 1 San Marino Grand Prix, despite its name, was held at the Imola circuit technically inside Italy. It was at Imola in 1994 that three-time world champion Ayrton Senna was killed during the race weekend — one of the darkest days in motorsport history.