Faetano

Faetano on the eastern edge of San Marino was the last of the nine castelli to join the republic, voting to do so in 1463, and it sits on a ridge above the Marano valley with the Italian border a short distance away. It is a small quiet village with a parish church, a piazza and a view east over the Romagna hills toward the Adriatic on clear days. The same year Pope Pius II gave the republic Fiorentino, Montegiardino and Serravalle, and no territory has been added since. San Marino has therefore held the same borders for over five and a half centuries.

History

San Marino held only Monte Titano until 1463, when Pope Pius II gave it Fiorentino, Montegiardino and Serravalle and Faetano joined of its own accord, and the borders have stayed the same ever since. The name comes from the beech tree on its coat of arms, the town became known for its pottery, and the Church of St. Paul in its square was consecrated in 1917 (Wikipedia, Faetano).

What to look for

• The 1463 accession - the last castello to join the republic.
• The ridge position - the village above the Marano valley.
• The eastern view - the Romagna hills and the Adriatic on clear days.
• The parish church - the building at the centre of the village.

When to go

April to October is the mild season. The village is quiet year round. Its festa falls in the summer.

What to expect

The village is very small with almost nothing arranged for visitors. Facilities are minimal. It is a stop rather than a destination.

Nearby

Serravalle is northwest, and Montegiardino is south.

Key facts