The Palazzo Pubblico (Public Palace) is a striking 19th-century palace that looms over Liberty Square in the heart of San Marino’s Historic Centre. It serves as the city’s town hall and government building, where state meetings take place. Visit the Palazzo Pubblico to glimpse inside its attractive rooms and ceremonial halls. See art by well-known Italian painters and watch the changing-of-the-guard ritual.
First built toward the end of the 1300s, today’s palace dates back to the late 1800s. Rome-born architect Francesco Azzurri designed the palace and took inspiration from the civic buildings of Italy’s Renaissance-era city-states. Its façade bears similarities to Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio. Stand back to see the Gothic-style arches and the clock tower, adorned with a mosaic of three saints.
Step inside the entrance hall, dominated by a grand stone staircase that leads to the upper floors. Note the intricately painted frieze that decorates the walls. Look for a bust of Italian poet Giousè Carducci, a Baroque coat of arms and two 16th-century crossbows.
Walk up the staircase to the mezzanine floor, where a painting depicts the nation’s liberation from Cardinal Giulio Alberoni in 1740. Go to the Scrutiny Room to see paintings of St. John the Baptist and St. Marino accredited to Giovanni Lanfranco. Votes for the election of the Captains Regent, San Marino’s two heads of state, are counted here twice a year.
Step inside the Hall of the Council of the XII to spot an image of St. Marino blessing the city of San Marino. In the Hall of the Great and General Council inspect the seats of the nation’s 60 councilors and the Captains Regent’s throne. Look for Emilio Retrosi’s L’apparizione di San Marino al suo popolo (St. Marino appearing to his people).
The Palazzo Pubblico is open daily, except for select public holidays, and there is an admission fee. Purchase a combined ticket for entrance to San Marino’s state museums and historical towers. Visit from June to September to watch the colorfully dressed Guardia di Rocca carry out the changing of the guard every hour on the half hour.
