Forlì

Forlì is a commune in Emilia-Romagna that stretches along Via Emilia and is bisected by the crossing of the Montone River. Streets connect wide squares to residential neighborhoods, and the historical center preserves buildings spanning from medieval times through the 19th century.

The settlement Forum Livii was founded in 188 BC by Roman consul Livius Salinator and grew into a crossroads along Via Emilia. During the Middle Ages it became the seat of several ruling families, including the Ordelaffi and later Caterina Sforza who commanded the fortress.

Daily life centers around Corso della Repubblica and Piazza Saffi, where locals gather at cafés and weekly markets take place. The churches and palazzi lining Via Emilia display façades built from red brick, the traditional material used across Romagna.

The main railway station offers regular connections to Bologna and the Adriatic coast, and sits just a short walk from the town center. A smaller airport nearby connects the town to several European destinations and is mostly used for charter flights.

Rocca di Ravaldino retains its medieval structures and serves as a stage for theater performances in the courtyard during summer. Less known is that the underground passages beneath the fortress were originally built for sieges and escape routes.

Location: Province of Forlì-Cesena

Inception: 187 BCE

Elevation above the sea: 34 m

Shares border with: Bertinoro, Faenza, Meldola, Ravenna, Brisighella, Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole, Forlimpopoli, Predappio, Russi

Website: http://comune.forli.fc.it

GPS coordinates: 44.22250,12.04083

Latest update: December 14, 2025 23:43