History

This Order was instituted by the Grand and General Council of the Republic of San Marino on June 5, 1923. It is conferred upon native or foreign citizens for charitable services rendered within the civil or military realms. There are five classes: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight.

Saint Agatha is a patron saint of San Marino who was fiercely devoted to God, and underwent torture because of her faith and lack of interest in admiring men. She is considered the saint of bell-founders, bakers, breast cancer patients and nurses. San Marino celebrates the Feast of St. Agatha on February 5th each year, a public national holiday.

The insignia of the Grand Cross portrays a white enamelled four armed cross with a circular wreath arc in each quadrant. The central medallion features a portrait of Saint Agatha. The surround inscription reads "Santagata Protettrice" and the reverse "Bene Merenti".