Forlì

Forlì
Name	Forlì
Region	Emilia-Romagna
Province	Province of Forlì-Cesena
Elevation m	34
Area total km2	228.2
Population total	117,863
Population as of	2023

Forlì. A city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, it serves as the administrative seat of the Province of Forlì-Cesena. Strategically located on the Via Emilia and the Montone River, it has been a significant historical crossroads, known for its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture and as a major center for manufacturing and agriculture.

History

The area has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic era, with the Umbri and later the Etruscans present before becoming a Roman municipality known as *Forum Livii* after the consul Marcus Livius Salinator. Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, it was contested by the Byzantine Empire and the Lombards before becoming a free commune in the Middle Ages. The city was dominated by the fierce rivalry between the Ordelaffi family, who ruled for much of the 13th to 16th centuries, and the Papacy, culminating in its forceful inclusion into the Papal States by Pope Julius II. In the 19th century, it was a hotbed of activity during the Risorgimento and was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy in 1860. The 20th century saw it become a bastion of Benito Mussolini's early support, earning it the nickname "City of the Duce," and it suffered significant bombing during the Allied invasion of Italy in World War II.

Geography

Situated in the southeastern part of the Po Valley, the city lies on the alluvial plain of the Montone River, near its confluence with the Ronco River. The terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the Romagna sub-region, with the foothills of the Apennines beginning to the southwest. This position between the mountains and the Adriatic Sea has historically influenced its climate, which is humid subtropical, and its role as an agricultural and transport hub. The municipality's territory extends to include several *frazioni* such as Coriano, Villafranca, and Ronco.

Main sights

The historic center is rich with monuments, including the Abbey of San Mercuriale, with its iconic 12th-century bell tower, and the adjacent Piazza Aurelio Saffi, dominated by the Palazzo Comunale and the Palazzo del Podestà. The imposing Rocca di Ravaldino is a formidable fortress built by Girolamo Riario and later associated with Caterina Sforza. Notable religious buildings are the Basilica of San Pellegrino Laziosi and the Cathedral of Santa Croce. The city's museums are housed in significant buildings like the Palazzo Romagnoli and the Musei di San Domenico, which contain works by artists such as Melozzo da Forlì, Marco Palmezzano, and a collection of the Pinacoteca Civica di Forlì.

Economy

The economy is diversified, with a strong industrial base in sectors such as mechanical engineering, particularly for the packaging industry, and the manufacturing of agricultural machinery. It is a national leader in the production of musical instruments, especially pianos and accordions, with historic firms like Fazioli. The surrounding fertile plain supports intensive agriculture, including fruit orchards, vineyards for Sangiovese wine, and cereal crops. The city is also a significant center for the wholesale and logistics sectors, bolstered by its strategic position near the A14 motorway and the Bologna–Ancona railway.

Culture

The city has a vibrant cultural tradition, being the birthplace of the painter Melozzo da Forlì and the poet Giovanni Pascoli, who taught at the University of Bologna. It hosts important institutions like the Teatro Diego Fabbri and the annual Festival del Buon Vivere. Forlì is renowned for its culinary contributions to Romagnola cuisine, including the famed piadina. The University of Bologna maintains a campus here, specializing in degrees in Political Science, Engineering, and Agricultural Sciences, contributing to a dynamic student life.

Transport

The city is a key transport node, served by the Bologna–Ancona railway line with regular services to major centers like Bologna, Rimini, and Ancona. The Forlì railway station is a principal stop. Road connections are excellent via the A14 motorway and the SS9 Via Emilia. Forlì Airport, named after Luigi Ridolfi and also known as "L. Ridolfi," offers commercial and executive flights, enhancing its connectivity. Local public transport is managed by Start Romagna, providing bus services throughout the city and province.

Category:Cities and towns in Emilia-Romagna