PALAZZO PUBBLICO

Any visit to San Marino would not be complete without a visit, however brief, to the Public Palace. It may be closed to visitors during official events. It allows you to understand the specificities of the Republic and to explore its past. It was rebuilt in 1894 by the architect Francesco Azzurri in the neo-Gothic Florentine style, on the foundations of a first building in Romanesque style. Every day in summer, every half hour, it is possible to attend the changing of the guard. It lasts only 3-4 minutes and involves only a handful of men in uniform, but it shows the pride of autonomy of the people of San Marino.

Let's go back to the palace: it houses the parliament of San Marino(Consiglio Grande e Generale) where 60 councillors sit, elected every 5 years by the citizens. They share the legislative power and make sure that all the measures taken respect the constitution that dates back to 1600 - the oldest in the world still in force. Also, they appoint the Captain-Regent, a sort of equivalent of the President of the Republic, twice a year, on April¹ and October¹, following a parade through the city. The latter remain in office for 6 months. In any case, they have to wait 3 years before being able to return to the highest position of the republic.
In the hall of the Consiglio Grande e Generale, there is a huge fresco representing San Marino on Mount Titano dominated by the three Towers of the Republic. Just before entering, there is a statue of Antonio Onofri, national glory.