Roofing in San Marino

San Marino is a small republic surrounded by Italy, built on and around Mount Titano. Its roofing tradition is essentially that of the neighbouring regions of central Italy, and very little has been published on Sammarinese roofs specifically.

Climate and hazards

The historic centre sits high on Mount Titano, so roofs are more exposed to wind and winter cold than those in the surrounding lowlands.

Roofing history

According to UNESCO, the historic centre dates from the foundation of the republic as a city-state in the 13th century. Its surviving buildings include fortification towers, walls, gates and bastions, 14th- and 16th-century convents, the 18th-century Titano Theatre, and the 19th-century neo-classical basilica and Palazzo Pubblico. The defensive walls and much of the centre were extensively restored and partly rebuilt from the late 19th century into the early 20th century, under the direction of Gino Zani; UNESCO treats this restoration as part of the site's history. Roofs on the towers and civic buildings therefore reflect both medieval forms and this later reconstruction.

Traditional and vernacular roofs

In the surrounding parts of central Italy the traditional covering is curved clay coppi, often laid over flat embrici, on timber structures.

Roofing today

San Marino is not an EU member, so EU adoption of the Eurocodes does not apply automatically.

Codes, standards and regulation

No source on San Marino's building regulations was located.

Notable roofs

• The fortification towers and walls of Mount Titano
• The 19th-century Basilica and Palazzo Pubblico

Sources and gaps

Climate and seismic data for roofing, roofing studies specific to San Marino, and information on modern roofing materials, building codes and industry: published information is limited.