Basilica del Santo
Architecture
On the site of the Basilica of Saint Marinus in Piazzale Domus Plebis in the northeastern part of the city of San Marino, there was already a church dedicated to Saint Marinus in the 4th century. However, the dilapidated building had to be demolished in 1807. Only the bell tower remained. The present cathedral was then built between 1826 and 1838. It is a co-cathedral of the Diocese of San Marino-Montefeltro. Designed by architect Achille Serra, it is a neoclassical structure, with the exception of the Romanesque bell tower from the 17th century. The church was consecrated in 1838 by Bishop Crispino Agostinucci and elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Pius XI in 1926. Its main entrance, with its eight Corinthian columns, is particularly impressive.
Interior
The church houses a statue of Saint Marinus and his relics, which were discovered in 1586. It also contains a historical throne of the San Marinese heads of state and paintings by students of the artist Titian (c. 1488–1490) and by Elisabetta Sirani (1638–1665). To the right of the entrance is another church, the Chiesetta di San Pietro.
Facts
- Location: Piazzale Domus Plebis, City of San Marino
- Built: Between 1826 and 1838
- Status: Co-cathedral of the Diocese of San Marino-Montefeltro
- Raised to the rank of Basilica: 1926
- San Marino coin motif: 10 euro cent coin from the first series
Basilica del Santo Note
This unique souvenir note from the San Marino Series was developed in cooperation with the Poste San Marino and is dedicated to the Basilica del Santo. It is printed on genuine banknote paper and has several modern security features such as UV ink and a gold foil patch in the shape of a coat of arms of San Marino. The obverse depicts the cathedral. The reverse shows a view of the Second Tower and the “Witches' Pass” (Passo delle Streghe). The path that runs between the fortifications on Mount Titano owes its name to old stories about young women who are said to have gathered on the mountain to dance around bonfires. The San Marino Series, which comprises a total of eight souvenir notes, is also available in a booklet with lots of information and pictures.
Obverse: Basilica del Santo in the City of San Marino, national coat of arms of San Marino, motto “Libertas” (Latin for "freedom")
Reverse: Witches' Pass, path connecting the first two towers of San Marino on Monte Titano, national coat of arms of San Marino, motto “Libertas” (Latin for "freedom")
| Dimensions: 145 x 70 mm (5.71 x 2.76 in) Material: Paper |
