Punti di Interesse
In the historic center, two main roads of Roman origin are still recognizable, divided into four main streets: Mazzini, Garibaldi, Diaz and della Repubblica, which converge on Piazza A. Saffi. Some of the most emblematic buildings of different eras are found there:
– the Lombard Romanesque Abbey of San Mercuriale with its imposing 12th century original bell tower;
– the Palazzo Comunale, the Town Hall, dating from the fourteenth century and rebuilt several times, with the Torre Civica (or the clock tower);
– the 15th century Palazzo del Podestà and Palazzo Albertini;
– the 20th century Palazzo delle Poste, an example of Rationalist Architecture also seen in significant traces in the buildings of Viale della Libertà and Piazzale della Vittoria, near the train station.
– Cathedral of Santa Croce (Duomo) Forlì, in Piazza Ordelaffi: one of the symbols of the religious and civil history of the city and there is news of it since the tenth century. A large fresco in the apse of the presbytery, a work of 1863 by Pompeo Randi, illustrates the “invention and recognition of the Holy Cross” to which the church is dedicated.
The city was under the domain of the Ordelaffi family for about two centuries, during which Forlì was enriched with noble palaces that can be admired while walking along the streets of the city center, in particular Corso Garibaldi and Via P. Maroncelli. Pino Ordelaffi III is responsible for the fortification of the Fortress of Ravaldino (completed in 1480, now known as the “Rocca di Caterina Sforza”).
Also noteworthy is the Baroque architecture of two prestigious monuments, which were recently restored: the Church of the Suffragio as you enter Piazza Saffi, and not far away, the Church of San Filippo Neri, on Via G. Saffi.
Forlì is a destination that can be visited all year round. During the summer, in particular with the “Arena Rocca di Caterina”festival, a real theatre is set up in the evocative setting of the courtyard area of the Ravaldino Fortress, which hosts a rich programme of events including shows, musical events, cabaret and book presentations
Just a short distance from Piazza Saffi, the main square, it is worth spending some hours at “Franco Agosto” City Park, a unique green area in Italy – in part due to its position in the urban fabric next to the old city walls – for its botanical variety and for its size. The park covers a large surface, bordered by the Montone River and the green area belonging to the City Hospital (Pierantoni). It is perfectly equipped for any requirement: restaurants, bars, children’s play areas, sporting facilities, refreshment spots, entertainment and leisure opportunities round out the offerings of the park.
