After years of closure, the historic Cantinette of Borgo Maggiore are opening their doors once again. The reopening is set for Thursday, coinciding with the traditional weekly market, bringing back into use one of the most representative spots in the town’s historic centre.
In a statement released by the Secretariat of State for Territory, it is noted that “after years of closure, the historic Cantinette of Borgo Maggiore are finally coming back to life. Starting Thursday, their doors will reopen for the traditional Thursday market, giving the community back a space rich in identity that for decades stood as one of the most distinctive and popular spots in the historic centre.”
The reopening is the result of collaboration between the Secretariat of State for Territory, the State Autonomous Public Works Authority (AASLP) and the Castle Council (Giunta di Castello) of Borgo Maggiore, who together backed the plan to restore the space. “Thanks to the work carried out by AASLP, the Cantinette are once again becoming a place of gathering, conviviality and appreciation for local traditions,” the statement reads.
The Cantinette will accompany the Thursday market by offering some of the traditional specialities that have long defined its character. “Every Thursday they will accompany the Borgo market with the flavours that have always shaped its atmosphere: fried fish, porchetta and homemade products will once again take centre stage, helping to bring new life to one of the events most deeply rooted in San Marino’s history,” the statement emphasises.
Secretary of State for Territory Matteo Ciacci describes the reopening as an initiative that goes well beyond simply restoring a building.
“The reopening of the Cantinette represents far more than the recovery of a physical space. It is concrete proof of an approach to governance aimed at giving citizens back places tied to their identity and enhancing the heritage of our Castelli. When institutions, AASLP and the Castle Councils work together with shared goals, tangible results follow. Today Borgo Maggiore reclaims an important piece of its history and gives it back to the community with a new role: bringing people together, promoting the local area, and supporting activity in the historic centre.”
The initiative, the statement continues, represents “the first step in a broader plan to revitalise the heart of Borgo Maggiore, through initiatives that combine tradition, tourism and community life.”
The Castle Council has also expressed its satisfaction. Captain Regent of the Castle Matteo Sartini, speaking on behalf of the Council, stated: “The Cantinette are part of the collective memory of our Castello. Giving them back to the citizens means bringing new life to a space that tells the story of our history and our traditions. We want this place to once again become a point of reference for residents and visitors alike, capable of hosting gatherings, events, tastings and initiatives dedicated to the excellence of our local area. We thank the Secretariat of State for Territory and AASLP for embracing this project with conviction, showing how collaboration between institutions can produce real results and create new opportunities for our historic centres.”
The Secretariat of State concludes by stressing that the reopening “confirms the commitment of the Secretariat of State for Territory to the redevelopment and enhancement of public spaces, through initiatives that go beyond simply restoring buildings, aiming instead to bring back function, identity and vitality to the historic centres of the Republic.” Starting Thursday, then, the Cantinette will once again be one of the focal points of the Borgo Maggiore market and of life in the historic centre.
