Basilica di San Marino
Basilica di San Marino is the city’s main Catholic church and the hallmark of the state of San Marino. The picturesque neoclassical basilica is dedicated to the Christian Saint Marinus, who is revered as the heavenly patron saint of the locals. In 2008, this temple, as well as the entire historic center of the city, was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Video: Basilica of San Marino
Highlights
The entrance to the Basilica of San Marino is decorated with a classical portico with eight slender columns of Corinthian order. Above them, on the pediment is placed an inscription-dedication to Rev. Martin, as well as the coat of arms of the Republic. The temple itself is decorated with picturesque bas-reliefs.
.Every year on September 3, one of the smallest states in the world celebrates the national holiday – St. Marin Memorial Day, and the temple becomes the center of this celebration. In addition, all national and religious festivals are held here. The basilica also hosts popular music festivals and concerts.
For tourists, the temple building is open on weekdays until 17.00 (in summer until 18.00), on holidays until 11.00. On Sundays at 11.00 a.m. masses are held in the Basilica of San Marino. Admission is free..History of the Basilica of San Marino
Where the beautiful basilica now stands, there was a Christian temple dedicated to St. Marinus since the 4th century. Over a long period of time it was rebuilt several times, but by the beginning of the 19th century it had become very dilapidated.
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In 1807, the ancient temple was demolished and in its place decided to build a new basilica. For this purpose, specially from Bologna was invited an experienced architect Achille Serra, who developed a project for a new temple building. The construction began in 1826. In February 1938, the new Catholic church was ready and passed the rite of consecration. Almost a century later, in 1926, the Basilica of San Marino was awarded the honorary status of minor basilica, which traditionally the Pope assigns only to the most famous churches of the Catholic world.
.Interiors
The interior of the Basilica of San Marino looks magnificent. Three naves are separated by rows of columns. Seven altars are placed inside. Near the main altar stands an expressive marble statue of St. Marin. Its author is the Italian sculptor of the XIX century Adamo Tadolini, who is considered one of the best students of the famous Canova.
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In the Basilica of San Marino, an urn under the altar holds the relics of a saint discovered in the second half of the 16th century. The upper part of the skull of the patron saint of the city is placed in an expensive reliquary mounted on a separate marble pedestal. In the temple you can also see a regent’s throne made in the 1600s, beautiful statues, wall paintings and murals. The temple is adorned with an organ made in 1835 by Italian master Giacomo Bazzani.
.How to get there
The Basilica of San Marino stands in Piazzale Plebis Domus, not far from Palazzo Público. San Marino is most conveniently accessible from Rimini Airport, which is 25 km from the city. From Rimini there are shuttle buses several times a day. In addition, you can get to San Marino by rented car. Note that the historic part of the city is a large pedestrian zone, where all kinds of vehicles are forbidden.
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