Chiesanuova (Romagnol:Cisanòva;lit.'New church') is one of the ninecastelli ofSan Marino. It has a population of 1,191 inhabitants (January 2025)[1] in an area of 5.46 km2. The castello is governed by a Captain and a seven-memberJunta, with Marino Rosti serving as Captain since 2020. Formerly known as Pennarossa until the administrative reforms of 1943–1944, Chiesanuova borders two San Marinese municipalities and threeItalian communes, and is divided into sevencurazie (parishes).
Themedieval castle of Busignano was situated in this area, and in 1320, its inhabitants decided to join San Marino. The name Chiesanuova dates back to the 16th century, around the rebuilding of the church of Saint Giovanni Battista in Curte, which no longer exists. The renovation of Salvatore Conti Square was conceived by the Italian poet, writer, and screenwriterTonino Guerra and completed in 2011.[2] Chiesanuova was historically known asPennarossa before the administrative reforms of 1943–1944, when its name was officially changed. It was formally established as one of the nine castelli (administrative districts) of San Marino in the 1925 Regulation (No. 7, March 16, 1925). Before being officially recognized as a castello, it was considered in practice to be a ninth district in addition to the official eight districts established in 1945.[3]
Chiesanuova, like all nine castelli of San Marino, operates under alocal government system established by Law 22/1994 (as modified by Law 97/2002). The castello is governed by a Captain (Capitano di Castello) and a CastleJunta (Giunta di Castello) consisting of seven members, the standard number for San Marinese communities with fewer than 2,000 residents. The Captain serves as the highest local authority, representing Chiesanuova in official matters and presiding over the Junta's meetings. Among their duties, the Captain implements Junta decisions, maintains relationships with the national government, and participates in theurban planning commission for matters affecting Chiesanuova. In environmental emergencies, the Captain may request inspections from the environmental hygiene service.[3]
The Junta functions as a deliberative body with significant local powers, including managing Chiesanuova's budget, coordinating cultural and recreational activities, overseeingpublic services, and protecting the castello's historical heritage and traditions. The Junta also has consultative powers regarding the national budget and can propose legislation to theGrand and General Council (San Marino's parliament).[3]
Elections for both the Captain and Junta occur every five years through direct voting by Chiesanuova residents. Candidates for Captain must formelectoral lists that include candidates for Junta positions, with each list requiring endorsement from at least 20 local voters. Theelectoral system uses a singleballot where voters select a Captain candidate and indicate preferences for two Junta member candidates. The list associated with the winning Captain typically receives a majority of Junta positions, with remaining seats distributed proportionally among other lists.[3]
During its first meeting, the newly elected Junta appoints asecretary from among its members who records meeting minutes and can deputize for the Captain when necessary. All Junta members and the Captain must take anoath of allegiance to the Republic within sixty days of their election and enjoy immunity for opinions expressed during official meetings.[3]
^ab"Demographic structure".Office of Informatics, Technology, Data and Statistics. Retrieved20 July 2025.
^ab"Chiesanuova".San Marino Web (in Italian). 7 July 2021. Retrieved14 April 2025.
^abcdeBermejo, Almudena Marazuela (2006). "La organización territorial de la Serenísima República de San Marino" [The Territorial Organization of the Most Serene Republic of San Marino].Asamblea. Revista parlamentaria de la Asamblea de Madrid (in Spanish).2 (4):829–840.
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