The Republic of San Marino joined UNESCO on November 12th, 1974.
In 1980, it established a National Commission, which has a documentation centre and works to protect cultural heritage, intangible heritage and cultural tourism.
UNESCO has provided concrete support for several projects aimed at enhancing the cultural heritage of San Marino. They include the “Medieval Days” festival, a very important cultural event for the Republic whose main industry is tourism.
UNESCO is associated with a research and publication project, “Villanovans and Etruscans on Mount Titan”, documenting cultural heritage while fostering regional scientific exchanges. UNESCO has also contributed to the San Marino International Piano Competition, open to young pianists from nine to 30 years of age.