PALAZZO PUBBLICO

No visit to San Marino would be complete without a visit to the Palazzo Pubblico. It may be closed to visitors for official events. It offers a unique insight into the Republic and its past. In Florentine neo-Gothic style, it was rebuilt in 1894 by architect Francesco Azzurri, on the foundations of an earlier Romanesque building. Every day in summer, every half-hour, you can watch the changing of the guard. It lasts only 3-4 minutes and involves only a handful of men in uniform, but it's a testament to the pride in autonomy of the people of San Marino.

Back to the palace: it houses San Marino's parliament(Consiglio Grande e Generale), with 60 councillors elected every 5 years by the citizens. They share legislative power and ensure that all measures taken comply with the constitution, which dates back to 1600 - the oldest in the world still in force. They also appoint the Captains-Regent, the equivalent of the President of the Republic, twice a year, on April¹ and October¹, following a parade through the city. They remain in office for 6 months. In all cases, they have to wait 3 years before they can return to the highest office in the republic.
In the Consiglio Grande e Generale hall, there is a huge fresco depicting San Marino on Mount Titano, dominated by the three Towers of the Republic. Just before entering, stands the statue of Antonio Onofri, national glory.