Forlivese

<< Emilia-Romagna

The Forlivese is the western part of the Province of Forlì-Cesena, centered around the city of Forlì. This area features various towns in the plain and at the foot of the hills to the north, and the mountains of the Apennines to the south.

Forlì

Forlì is a city in Romagna located along the Via Emilia and the capital of the Province of Forlì-Cesena. The area was inhabited in prehistoric times, but the current city was founded by the Romans as Forum Livii. During the Middle Ages, Forlì was contested for centuries between local powers, also enjoying some periods as an independent city-state. Eventually, Forlì came under the rule of the Papal States, and then it shared the history of the rest of Romagna, becoming part of Italy during its unification. Today Forlì is a regional industrial and agricultural center featuring various historic buildings and interesting attractions.

✪ Abbey of San Mercuriale

The Abbey of San Mercuriale (Abbazia di San Mercuriale) is the main religious building in Forlì, located in the center of the city facing Piazza Aurelio Saffi. This Romanesque church was built during the 12th century on the site of a previous place of worship. The facade includes simple decorations, while the tall bell tower is regarded as one of the symbols not only of Forlì, but of all of Romagna. Various artworks are hosted inside the church, including elaborate funerary monuments and Renaissance paintings.

Piazza Aurelio Saffi

Piazza Aurelio Saffi is the main square of Forlì and it is adorned by a statue of Aurelio Saffi, an important figure during the Italian Risorgimento. The eastern side of the square is dominated by the Abbey of San Mercuriale, while the western one hosts the large Palazzo Comunale. The tall Civic Tower is located behind this palace. Among the other building facing Piazza Aurelio Saffi, the most notable is the Palazzo del Podestà, erected during the 15th century.

Musei di San Domenico

The Musei di San Domenico is a religious complex and former monastery located just outside the city center of Forlì. The complex houses the Pinacoteca Civica, an art gallery with paintings from many Italian artists.

Cathedral of Santa Croce

The Cathedral of Santa Croce is a large church erected during the Middle Ages but later renovated in Neoclassical style. It includes various decorations and beautiful artworks, and houses an elaborate chapel with the Madonna del Fuoco, a 15th-century woodut image of the Madonna that once survived a fire.

Rocca di Ravaldino

The Rocca di Ravaldino is a medieval fortress located on the southern part of Forlì. The first fortification here was built in the 14th century but it was later expanded, gaining its current appearance. After losing its strategic importance, it was turned into a prison. Today it is surrounded by a park and it is still partly used as a jailhouse.

Porta Schiavonia

Porta Schiavonia is the only remaining city gate of Forlì, located on the western edge of the city along Via Emilia. Originally erected during the Middle Ages, it was later demolished, rebuilt, and expanded various times. Most of the structure was removed along with the city walls in the early 20th century, but the central arch and a few other sections survive to this day.

Forlimpopoli

Forlimpopoli is a town located along Via Emilia in Romagna, between Forlì and Cesena. It was a flourishing Roman town with the name of Forum Popili, and later became the seat of a bishopric in the Early Middle Ages. The area was contested between local powers and Forlimpopoli was heavily damaged during the wars of the 14th century. The city was later rebuilt and, after returning under the rule of the Papal States in 1535, it shared the history of the rest of Romagna until today.

Rocca of Forlimpopoli

Also known as: Rocca Albornoziana

The Rocca of Forlimpopoli was built in the 14th century on the site of a previous church and other buildings destroyed during a war. It was for centuries the seat of local power and now it serves as town hall. The fortress also houses an archaeological museum and a theater.

Bertinoro

Bertinoro is a small town in the hills of Romagna, located between Forlì and Cesena. During the Late Middle Ages it was a relevant regional center contested between local powers.

Palazzo Ordelaffi

Palazzo Ordelaffi is the town hall of Bertinoro, built in the 14th century. It features a clock tower and it stands on the main square of the town, with a great panoramic view of the surrounding area. The Colonna degli Anelli (“Column of the Rings”) is located in front of the palace and it symbolizes the hospitality of the people of Bertinoro.

Rocca of Bertinoro

The Rocca is a medieval fortress on a hill dominating over Bertinoro, erected around the 11th century. It was once among the most important fortifications in the area and was later used as a prison. Today it hosts a museum of religious art.

Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole

Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole is a municipality in the Province of Forlì-Cesena, centered in the town of Castrocaro Terme. This settlement developed around a fortress during the Middle Ages, and was later joined by the planned city of Terra del Sole during the Renaissance. Castrocaro Terme is now known for its spas and for hosting a music festival.

Fortress of Castrocaro Terme

The fortress that dominates over Castrocaro Terme was built around the 10th century and it was for a long time one of the most important castles in Romagna. After losing its strategic importance, the fortress was abandoned and it was only restored in the 20th century. The castle now serves as a museum of local history.

Terra del Sole

Terra del Sole is a planned town erected in 1564 near Castrocaro Terme. It is one of the earliest examples of its kind, and it still features its original fortifications surrounding the city. The central square of Terra del Sole is dominated by Palazzo dei Commissari, a Renaissance palace now hosting a museum, and the Church of Santa Reparata on the opposite side.