Parrocchia di Acquaviva

Did the name Acquaviva ever strike you as unusual? Here at the Parrocchia di Acquaviva, the name holds a fascinating story. The Parrocchia di Acquaviva, dedicated to Sant’Andrea Apostolo, celebrates its patron saint on November 30th. But the story of Acquaviva goes back much further, intertwining with the very origins of San Marino. Originally, this area was known as Monte Cerreto, meaning “Mount of Oak Trees”. Its coat of arms even reflects this, depicting three oak trees on a golden three-peaked hill. At the foot of Monte Cerreto lies a spring. Legend says Saint Marinus himself used this spring to baptize the first Christians of the community. This act gave the area its current name, “Acquaviva,” or “Living Water.” The spring is more than just a source of water. It represents the spiritual birth of the community, a testament to the enduring power of faith. The Parrocchia di Acquaviva stands as a symbol of this history, connecting the present with the legends of San Marino’s past. The very ground we stand on is steeped in history. Close to Acquaviva is the Baldasserona cliff, believed to be the first refuge of Saint Marinus. And even more significantly, the “Placito Feretrano,” the oldest document of the Republic of San Marino, was issued in 885 right here in what was then Monte Cerreto, now Acquaviva. So, the Parrocchia di Acquaviva is not just a church. It is a living link to the very foundation of San Marino, a place where history, faith, and legend converge.