Most countries have a capital city with a famous central square, and San Marino is no different. Piazza della Libertà is paved with smooth stone and surrounded by elegant old buildings. The most important of these is the Palazzo Pubblico — the Government Palace — which has a large clock tower and a grand entrance.
Standing in the square, you can watch a colourful guard changing ceremony. Guards dressed in historical costumes with helmets and halberds (a type of long ceremonial staff) march and stand to attention outside the palace. It is very impressive to watch and one of the most photographed moments in all of San Marino.
The square sits near the edge of the old city, so from certain spots you can peer over the ancient walls and see the Italian countryside spreading out below you for many kilometres. It is a reminder of just how high up the city sits — and how unique it is to have an entire country perched on top of a mountain.