Festival del Buon Vivere (Festival of Good Living)
An annual cultural festival in Forlì (since 2009), usually in September, bringing together artists, philosophers, scientists and journalists to discuss sustainability and wellbeing.
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Forlì
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Forlì
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The main square, Piazza Saffi, is one of the largest in Italy. It's best experienced in the early evening during the traditional passeggiata.
- Notice the striking contrast between the medieval Abbey of San Mercuriale and the 20th-century Rationalist architecture around the city.
- Parking in the historic center is restricted; use the paid parking lots just outside the ancient city walls.
- Rent a bike to explore; Forlì is very flat and has an excellent network of cycling paths.
🍽 Food
🍽
Piadina Romagnola
Grab this iconic flatbread filled with local cold cuts and squacquerone cheese from a small street kiosk (piadineria).
🍽
Cappelletti al Ragù
Try these meat-filled pasta hats, a Sunday classic, at a traditional trattoria near Piazza Saffi.
🍽
Sangiovese di Romagna
Pair your meals with this robust local red wine, widely available in any local enoteca.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Piazza Saffi Market
Browse the lively outdoor market for local produce and clothing, usually held on Monday and Friday mornings.
🛍
Corso della Repubblica
Stroll down this central street for a mix of Italian fashion brands and independent boutiques.
🧘
Parco Urbano Franco Agosto
A massive green oasis with ponds, roaming rabbits, and walking trails just outside the city center.
🧘
Chiostro di San Mercuriale
Find a moment of peace in the historic cloister attached to the famous abbey.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
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Forlì, located in the Romagna region along the historic Via Emilia, traces its origins back to ancient Rome when it was known as Forum Livii. During the Middle Ages, it functioned as an independent commune before becoming a battleground for power between the Ordelaffi and Riario-Sforza families. A prominent landmark is the Abbey of San Mercuriale in Piazza Saffi, whose 1180 Romanesque bell tower stands at 75 meters, making it one of the tallest in Italy. In the early 20th century, Forlì underwent significant urban redevelopment that shaped its current appearance, characterized by broad avenues and rationalist architecture. The city also hosts a major campus of the University of Bologna. Geographically positioned between the Adriatic coast and the Apennines, Forlì has historically been a trade hub for agricultural goods. Today, the local economy is driven by the aerospace industry and a strong service sector.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: Musei in San Domenico, Pinacoteca · Casa Museo Saffi · Arena Forlivese
- Nearby: Faenza (14 km)
- Population: ~116.696
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 24 | 23 | 18 | 13 | 8 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 52 | 66 | 66 | 61 | 67 | 45 | 35 | 43 | 72 | 80 | 90 | 66 |
Live webcam – Forlì
See what it looks like near Forlì right now.
Forlì · 0.3 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Forlì was established in 188 BC by the Roman consul Marcus Livius Salinator.
- The bell tower of San Mercuriale was among the highest structures in Italy in the 12th century.
- Caterina Sforza, known as the 'Lioness of Forlì', famously defended the city in 1500.
- Piazza Saffi is one of Italy's largest squares, measuring approximately 128 by 87 meters.
- The city became a laboratory for Rationalist architecture during the early 20th century.
- Forlì is home to a significant contemporary art museum located in the former GIL building.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→15:141.9 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
Your day starts in the majestic Piazza Saffi, the pulsing heart of Forlì. After visiting the San Mercuriale Abbey, dive into art history at the San Domenico Museums. Spend the afternoon at the imposing Rocca di Ravaldino before ending the day with a relaxing stroll in the vast city park.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Piazza Saffi
Admire the statue of Aurelio Saffi in the center of the vast square.
🚶 5'0.09 km
📍
10:02 · 47'
San Mercuriale Abbey
The 75-meter high Romanesque bell tower is the symbol of the city.
🚶 7'0.19 km
🚶 8'0.26 km
🚶 18'0.76 km
🚶 14'0.56 km
09:00→15:453.1 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 31–41 €Entries 24€ · Transport 12€
By bike, you explore Forlì efficiently and flexibly. From the central Piazza Saffi, cycle through elegant streets to museums and cathedrals. The tour leads you to the Rocca di Ravaldino fortress and ends with an extensive ride through the magnificent Franco Agosto Park.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 4'0.09 km
🚲 6'0.42 km
🚲 8'0.88 km
🚲 4'0.24 km
🚲 8'0.91 km
🚲 6'0.56 km
09:00→14:441.9 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
This car tour connects Forlì's most important historic districts in clusters. Park in the center to explore Piazza Saffi and its palaces on foot. Then, drive comfortably to the San Domenico Museums and finally to the Rocca di Ravaldino, which directly borders the relaxing city park.
← swipe for more places →
🚗 3'0.04 km
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🚗 5'0.46 km
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🚗 5'0.56 km
Sights in the town Forlì (15)
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important square in Forlì?
Piazza Saffi, one of the largest squares in Italy, with the San Mercuriale Abbey.
Are there art museums?
The San Domenico museums host significant art exhibitions.
What architecture is prominent in Forlì?
There are many impressive buildings from the period of Italian Rationalism.
What event takes place annually?
The 'Festa di Caterina Sforza', commemorating the famous lady of Forlì.
Is Forlì a good place to eat?
Yes, the Romagna cuisine with fresh pasta and piadina is excellent here.
Forlì: where is it located?
Forlì is located in Italy.
Forlì: what is there to see?
Highlights include Musei in San Domenico, Pinacoteca, Casa Museo Saffi, Arena Forlivese.
Forlì: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Forlì: why is it worth visiting?
Forlì, located in the Romagna region along the historic Via Emilia, traces its origins back to ancient Rome when it was known as Forum Livii.
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