Serravalle

Serravalle, town in the northeastern part of the Republic of San Marino. Serravalle is located on the Ausa Stream at an elevation of 485 feet (148 m) above sea level. It is the manufacturing centre of the republic and has industries producing textiles, ceramics, and metalwork. Serravalle was given to the republic in 1463 by Pope Pius II in return for San Marino’s help in opposing Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, tyrant of Rimini, who had taken part in all the wars of Renaissance Italy from 1433 to 1464, mostly for purposes of self-aggrandizement. The castle of the Malatesta family, who ruled Rimini in the Middle Ages, still stands in the town. A highway connects Serravalle with Rimini, Italy, and with the city of San Marino, the republic’s capital. Pop. (2006 est.) Serravalle/Dogano, 9,740.