Italy is considered one of the most popular countries for tourists. But not everyone had the chance to visit the quiet and charming town of Italy - Forlì. Of course, there are not so many attractions here as in Florence or Venice. But those historical and architectural monuments that are in it are unique. Major tourist centers in Italy are unlikely to convey the spirit of this country. You can plunge into the real pasta and wine atmosphere in Forlì (Italy). Sights, photos and descriptions of this small town can be found in the article.
Why is it worth visiting a glorious town?
The city of Forlì in Italy is located in the north of the country, in the region of Emilia-Romagna. The ancient Emiliev Road leads to it. The town is the administrative center of the province of Forlì-Cesena. In this Italian corner different worlds merge: sea and mountains, hills and thermal springs. And of course, there are many fortresses and castles. It will be interesting for you to get acquainted with local products, folk festivals, and traditional products of artisans. Photos of the city of Forlì indicate that it is a small, cozy, clean place in which the weather is warm almost all year round. A couple of hours is enough for you to go around all its streets on a bicycle. Those who get there just forget about the time, they are not up to the photos. After all, one wants to enjoy the atmosphere of this provincial corner. What makes it special is the combination of medieval and modern architecture.
Historical background
For Italian standards, Forlì is considered a fairly large settlement, the number of its inhabitants is about 120,000 people. The glorious history of their city is well known to the townspeople. Archaeologists have found evidence of the first settlements of people here back in the Paleolithic era.
Legend says that Guy Livy Salinator back in 188 BC. e. founded a city called Forum Livii. It translates as "forum Libya." From the first two syllables of these words, the name Forli was obtained.
This is the first city-republic with a formed commune and self-government. The imperial eagle on the emblem of the city speaks of long-standing confrontations for power. Forlie had to go through many historical changes; he was constantly changing. There were times with military conflicts, riots, an unexpected change of government. Once the city was part of the Papal Region. During the reign of Napoleon, it was badly destroyed by French troops. After that there was a political and economic decline. Modern history also did not spare Forlì. Local residents had to conduct fearless partisan activities against the German invaders.
Modern Forlì
More than once indulged in destruction, and then the restoration of the old historical buildings of the town, architectural monuments. Today, there are many attractions that will surprise any sophisticated tourist. To date, they have been restored, supplemented and brought in a great view.
Today, the town is fragrant. He became the industrial and agricultural center of the region. The reputation of Forli's large developed center is associated with metal products, silk production, and sewing.
Arriving tourists are delighted with the harmony of ancient and modern weaves, well-maintained pedestrian and bicycle paths. Every tourist must go for a walk in the Dragon Park, which was designed 200 years ago. Later appeared Resistents park. It features special creative solutions in the English style. Typically English alleys, stiff and strict fencing lines, flowerbeds, flower beds, lawns seem to be something unique to visitors.
In the center of Forlì intertwined ancient, modern and traditional features. The central square resembles a trapeze, with numerous boutiques, souvenirs, shops, cozy cafes and restaurants. In the center of the square stands a pretty monument to Aurelio Saffi, whose merits are still debated. The square is also decorated with the old building of the San Mercurial Abbey.
Attractions Forlì (Italy)
And now we will go through the streets of the town and admire its architectural monuments. If you leave the building of the local station, then you will immediately get to Freedom Street, which leads to Victory Square. On it stands the majestic eponymous monument in memory of those who died in all wars. The monument was built during the reign of Mussolini. This square with its monuments is a museum complex of fascist architecture.
Further from the square is Republic Street. It houses the Church of the Intercession of the mid-18th century. Next is the central square of Saffi. This prominent figure led the movement for the unification and revival of Italian lands. In the previous section, we already mentioned the San Mercurial Abbey on this square. It includes a 75-meter bell tower. Nearby is a city municipal building, decorated with a clock tower. In the north of the square is an old post office and telegraph. Further you can see a column with an eagle. Anyone for 2 euros can climb the bell tower and enjoy the surroundings.
Saffi Square is always crowded, before the New Year a festive event takes place there. The huge ice rink, which is flooded here in winter, is especially pleasing to residents. From the square, the road leads to the old city. Forli resembles a closed, solid, sturdy town similar to boletus. The streets are made in the form of narrow corridors with beautiful facades of houses. The clock tower was restored after World War II only in 1976. The city has several palaces (palazzo): Gaddi, Hercolani, Galeano, del Podesta. Inside these palaces there are many frescoes, paintings, antique furniture.
You will especially enjoy the Santa Croce Cathedral. At first it was built in the Gothic style, but then it was converted into neoclassical. In its old part is the chapel of Santissimo Sacramento. Also in the city there is the citadel of Ravaldino, where the prison is now located.
Celebrities associated with the city
Forlì at one time became the birthplace and residence of famous Italian figures. It is worth mentioning the holy bishop of Forlian. The founder of pathological anatomy Giovanni Morgagni was born in this town. All his life in Forlì spent the famous musician of the XVIII century, composer and cellist Giovanni Battista Chirri. Here was born the famous Italian politician, revolutionary, officer, who died in the Greek-Turkish war. Forlì was the birthplace of car manufacturer Ilario Bandini. Not far from Forlì (the town of Predappio) in 1883 was born, and then Benito Mussolini was buried .
Climatic conditions
The province of Forlì Cesena (Italy) is characterized by a temperate warm climate. A significant amount of precipitation is observed here throughout the year. Even in the driest month there is rainfall. The average annual temperature is considered to be +14 ° C. In a year, 687 mm of precipitation falls on average here. Most rain in November, least in January.
The highest temperature is in July, sometimes above 30 ° C. The lowest temperature is considered +3 ° . This allows you to relax in Forlì all year round.
University Reviews in Forlì (Italy)
The local branch of the University of Bologna is quite famous. Students from Moscow and St. Petersburg often go there for exchange. The peculiarity of this educational institution is that teachers from different countries of the world work in it. Testimonials indicate that each student chooses subjects here independently. There are optional courses, courses for masters. The university has a European system of transfer and accumulation of points.
A visit in pairs is noted very strictly. Students note that all courses here are quite specialized. The University of Bologna is still different in that it has almost no seminar classes. To motivate students, open halls around the perimeter of the entire town work. They are equipped with comfortable desks, sockets, Wi-Fi is provided.
Famous thermal springs
Some readers know the famous Castrocaro Terme, which heals well. Thermal springs are considered the pride of Italy. Their water is rich in iodine, potassium, salts, which contribute to the treatment and prevention of many diseases. They are a 10-minute drive from Forlì.
One clinic occupies 8 hectares of land. It includes magnificent pools, treatment rooms, spa and mud baths. Castrocaro’s famous mud helped thousands of people recover.
Hotels Forlì
We start our review with the four-star Masini Hotel. It is located in a quiet pedestrian zone of the old city. Some rooms have wonderful loggias with panoramic views. In the morning, tourists are pampered with a gluten-free buffet.
Another good institution is considered Alexia Palace Hotel-Residence. In addition to the usual services, the hotel offers a swim in the outdoor panoramic pool. Vacationers are provided with umbrellas, deck chairs. Those who wish can visit the sauna or gym.
Of the three-star hotels, Antonia, Blue Hotel, is worth mentioning. They are distinguished by first-class service, a developed infrastructure of entertainment and recreation. This allows Forlì to visit thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. In the hotels of Forlì you will find comfort and an unforgettable vacation. The highest level of service is characterized by the Grand Hotel Forli.
Local kitchen
In Forlì there are many cozy cafes and pizzerias. For students, Rosticceria La mela and Planeta Pizza became their favorite places. Here you can eat both in a cafe and take away food. The Emilia-Romagna region is famous for its cheeses, salami, olive oil. Bologna is not in vain called a "fatty". It serves meat dishes with aromatic seasonings. From the local cuisine you will be pleased with the famous Italian lasagna, Bolognese sauce. Italians generally love to eat. They make delicious ham, sausages. Also, tourists will enjoy delicious desserts.
Famous wines of the Emilia-Romagna region
The lands of this Italian province where the city of Forlì is located are characterized by extreme fertility. Since ancient times, vineyards have been cultivated here. What types of wine are not produced here! What is the famous pink or purple sparkling wine of Lambrusco! Still drinks are considered equally popular: merlot, cabernet, barber. Favorite for many is Sangiovese.
The nearest town is Cesena
Not far from Forlì is the town of Cesena. The cities are so close to each other that FC Forlì, Cesena often perform at football competitions. The twin city is home to around 93,000 inhabitants. Cesena gave Italy two popes. The town also consists of an old and a new part. In the old town there is a Cathedral where an excellent male choir sings. In the central square, various celebrations are often held. The courtyards of the cozy town are decorated with magnificent sculptures. Cesena is also famous for its Abbey of Our Lady of the Mountain, the Gallery of Old Masters, the monastery of St. Blasius.
Tourists reviews
Particular impressions of tourists remain from excursions in the center of Forlì. Very beautifully the area is highlighted in the evening. Vacationers like to walk in the narrow streets of the town. Many say that there are few migrants in it. The atmosphere makes it possible to restore strength after noisy megacities. Irresistible views from the hills are especially fascinating.
A wonderful wellness stay in the thermal springs, which is 10 km from Forlì. There are endless cypress groves and green hills. All this beauty is complemented by the azure sky. You can stay at the Grand Hotel CastroCaro Terme & Spa. Reviews indicate that this hotel has a clinic where procedures are performed with thermal hydrogen sulfide water. Time spent in Forlì will bring you not only pleasure, but also benefit.