Relics of Saint Marinus
Early life of Saint Marinus
Saint Marinus is omnipresent in the Republic named after him. He was a stonemason and an early follower of the fledgling Christianity in the Roman Empire. Born around 275 BC, tradition has it that he fled from the island of Rab in the northern Adriatic to the Italian mainland together with Saint Leo, to escape the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian. The name Marinus literally means “of the sea”. The two men quarried stone from Monte Titano for the restoration work in Rimini. Along the way, Marinus also preached the Christian doctrine and was able to convince many oft he locals of his faith.
Founding of San Marino
When an insane woman from his homeland claimed to be his wife, Marinus fled from the Roman authorities to Monte Titano. He initially lived there as a hermit and eventually founded a monastery. Due to the persecution of Christians, his community quickly grew until the greatest danger had passed with the Edict of Toleration of Nicaea in 311 AD. Marinus was then ordained a deacon by the Bishop of Rimini, Gaudentius, and according to tradition, Donna Felicissima, a Roman patrician, presented him with Monte Titano. While 3rd September 301 is considered the founding date of the monastery, the republic was established after Marinus' death in 366. Legend has it that his last words were “Relinquo vos liberos ab utroque homine.” (I leave you free from both men), with the emperor and the pope regarded as the two men beings in question. His relics and a statue of him are kept in the Basilica of San Marino.
Facts
- Location of his relics: Basilica di San Marino, City of San Marino
- Profession: stonemason
- Born: c. 275 BC
- Died: 366
- Feast: 3rd September
- San Marino coin motif: 20 euro cent coin of the first series, 50 euro cent and 2 euro coin of the second series
Saint Marinus Note
This unique souvenir note from the San Marino Series was developed in cooperation with the Poste San Marino and is dedicated to Saint Marinus. 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 is designed vertically and depicts the saint. The horizontal 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: Saint Marinus, 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 |
