San Marino

San Marino, town, capital of the Republic of San Marino. The town is situated high on the western side of Mount Titano (743 m/2,437 ft) in the Apennine mountains. Mount Titano’s three summits can be seen for some distance around the town. San Marino is encircled by three walls and numerous gates, towers, and fortifications. According to legend, a stonemason named Marinus and a group of fellow Christians settled on the mountain in the 4th century to escape persecution. By the middle of the 5th century a community had formed. San Marino’s inaccessibility allowed the community to maintain its independence except for several short interruptions. Present-day San Marino is built around this site. Population 4,601 (2003 estimate).