Forli

Latest page update: 26 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Forlì
Forlì has a well-established hotel offering, with several reputable properties serving both city visitors and business travellers. The best-reviewed options combine reliable service, comfortable rooms and convenient access to the historic centre, key roads and transport links.
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Grand Hotel Forlì is one of the leading choices, offering modern rooms, spa facilities, a rooftop pool and consistently polished service standards (€€€). Hotel Michelangelo provides another well-regarded option, appreciated for its comfortable rooms, attentive staff and practical location for exploring both the city and surrounding area (€€€). Hotel Masini, located in the historic centre, is valued for its traditional atmosphere, walkable setting and solid guest feedback for comfort and hospitality (€€).

Where is

Where is Forlì?
​The city of Forlì is the capital city of the Province of Forlì-Cesena with a population of 117,798 inhabitants.

Standing at an elevation of 34 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 228 km² and lies 73 kilometres south east of Bologna, the regional capital of Emilia Romagna.  

The main sights of Forlì centre around its main square which is called Piazza Saffi. The principal buildings here are the Abbazia di San Mercuriale and the Palazzo Comunale. 
The Abbazia (Abbey) di San Mercuriale is the main religious building in Forlì and also contains a cloister which can be visited, the Chiostro di San Mercuriale. 
Comune di Forlì
Province: capital of Forlì-Cesena

Region: Emilia Romagna

Population: 117,210​ (in 2024 - source)

Size: 228 km²

Elevation: 34 metres

Highlights: Piazza Saffi, Abbey San Mercuriale, Palazzo Comunale

Close by: ​Faenza, Terra del Sole, Imola, Cesenatico, Dozza

What People Ask About Forlì

Is Forlì worth visiting?
Yes, Forlì is a historic city in Emilia-Romagna with Renaissance architecture, notable museums, and piazzas. It’s less touristy than nearby cities and offers insight into local culture and history.
What can you do in Forlì?
You can visit Piazza Saffi, the San Mercuriale Abbey, and the Musei San Domenico art complex. The town also has green spaces, historical buildings, and regular cultural exhibitions and events.
How do you get to Forlì?
Forlì has its own train station with direct services to Bologna, Rimini, and Florence. It’s also accessible by car via the A14 motorway and has a small airport with limited seasonal flights.
What is Forlì known for?
Forlì is known for its Fascist-era architecture, Renaissance art, and cultural institutions like the Musei San Domenico. It also has strong academic ties through the University of Bologna campus.
When is the best time to visit Forlì?
Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit Forlì for mild temperatures and cultural events. Summer can be hot, but the city remains active with exhibitions and outdoor performances.
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Discover

Discover Forlì
Forlì is a city in the region of Emilia-Romagna, set on the Via Emilia in the plain between the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea. Its position on this historic Roman road has long made it a key centre for trade and administration, with the River Montone flowing through the city. The surrounding landscape of farmland and gentle hills connects Forlì both to the coast and to the mountain passes leading south.
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The historic centre is marked by Piazza Aurelio Saffi, one of the largest squares in Italy, overlooked by the Abbey of San Mercuriale with its tall bell tower. Other landmarks include the Palazzo del Podestà, the Rocca di Ravaldino, and several museums that highlight its cultural heritage. Road and rail links place Forlì between Bologna and Rimini, while the nearby airport provides further connections across Italy and Europe.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Forlì
  • Piazza Aurelio Saffi: This vast central square is the heart of Forlì, surrounded by key landmarks including the Abbey of San Mercuriale, Palazzo Comunale, and Palazzo delle Poste. It hosts markets, public events, and seasonal festivals, serving as the focal point for city life and social gatherings.
  • Abbazia di San Mercuriale: Dating from the 12th century, this Romanesque abbey stands out for its tall bell tower and decorative cloister. The church interior features sculptures and artworks from the medieval and Renaissance periods, and remains one of Forlì’s most recognisable architectural symbols.
  • Rocca di Ravaldino: Built in the 14th century and later expanded by Caterina Sforza, this fortress played a crucial role in the city’s political and military history. Though not fully accessible inside, its massive walls and towers still dominate the western edge of the centre and offer a glimpse into Forlì’s defensive past.
  • Musei di San Domenico: This museum complex is housed in a restored Dominican convent and presents a range of exhibitions from Renaissance paintings to contemporary art. It hosts major temporary shows and forms a key part of Forlì’s cultural identity.
  • Day Trip to Castrocaro Terme: Located just 15 minutes away, Castrocaro Terme is known for its thermal baths, medieval fortress, and Art Deco buildings. It provides a change of pace and setting, ideal for a short excursion into the nearby hills.

Tours and Activities

Forlì Tours and Activities

Where to Eat

Where to Eat in Forlì
  • Osteria Don Abbondio: Located near the Piazza Cavour, this well-known osteria offers a creative take on traditional Romagna cuisine. The menu includes handmade pasta, locally sourced meats, and seasonal vegetables, served in a warm and elegant setting with outdoor seating available in good weather. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
  • Trattoria Petito: Situated in the centre of Forlì, this long-standing trattoria is known for its authentic, home-style cooking. Specialities include cappelletti in broth, tagliatelle al ragù, and roasted rabbit, all served in a traditional setting with a loyal local following. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante Il Fienile: Located just outside the town centre, Il Fienile blends rustic charm with a modern menu that showcases both meat and seafood dishes. The converted barn setting gives it a distinctive character, making it a good option for a relaxed but well-prepared meal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Pizzeria La Sosta: A casual and popular choice for pizza lovers, La Sosta offers a wide range of thin-crust pizzas along with pasta and salads. It’s a lively venue with quick service, ideal for families or groups. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)
  • Ristorante Casa di Mare: Found a short drive from the centre, this stylish seafood restaurant features dishes such as seafood tagliolini, grilled fish, and raw selections. The minimalist interior and attentive service make it one of the more refined options in the area. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)

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Places Close to [Place Name]

Places Close to Forlì
  • Cesena (approx. 20 km southeast of Forlì): A historic town known for its beautiful Rocca Malatestiana, a medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside. Cesena is also home to the Biblioteca Malatestiana, one of the oldest public libraries in Italy, which houses important medieval manuscripts. The town’s charming streets and vibrant piazzas provide a pleasant place to explore.
  • Ravenna (approx. 45 km east of Forlì): Famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, Ravenna is a UNESCO World Heritage city that boasts a wealth of historical and artistic landmarks, including the Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Ravenna is an essential stop for anyone interested in art, culture, and history.
  • Cesenatico (approx. 35 km northeast of Forlì): A coastal town on the Adriatic Sea, Cesenatico is known for its picturesque canal designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Visitors can enjoy the town's vibrant waterfront, which is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, or visit the Museo della Marineria, a maritime museum that showcases the town's long history of seafaring.
  • Imola (approx. 40 km west of Forlì): Imola is renowned for the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, a famous motorsport race track that hosts various events, including the Formula 1 Grand Prix. The town also features the Rocca Sforzesca, a Renaissance castle that offers historical insights and panoramic views of the surrounding region. Imola’s quaint historic centre is ideal for a leisurely stroll.
  • Sant'Arcangelo di Romagna (approx. 35 km south of Forlì): A picturesque medieval town known for its well-preserved historical buildings, including the Rocca di Sant'Arcangelo, a fortress that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The town is also famous for its charming streets, local restaurants, and vibrant cultural events, including the annual Teatro del Drago festival.
Emilia-Romagna Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations

1. Bologna
2. Ravenna
3. Ferrara
4. Cesena
5. Parma
6. Cesenatico
7. Modena
8. Rimini​
9. Brisighella
10. Comacchio

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Emilia-Romagna

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Forlì
Forlì's train station is situated one a half kilometres from Piazza Saffi, a 15 to 20 minute walk. The local buses are a much better option and you can take any of the 1A, 2, 3 or 4 routes to cover the same journey in around 5 minutes. Trains from Forlì to Bologna take 36 minutes, stopping along the way in Faenza (10 minutes). Heading in the opposite direction it's just a 12 minute ride to Cesena, a train which continues all the way down to Lecce (6 hours 34 minutes) in the Puglia region, stopping in the seaside resort of Rimini (43 minutes) along the way.

Both of Emilia Romagna's main airports are convenient for Forlì, in fact the city lies roughly at the halfway point between the two. Rimini & San Marino Airport is 41 minutes (57 km) south east of Forlì while Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport lies 49 minutes north west, a distance of 78 kilometres.  

Private Transfers

Forlì Private Transfers
A private transfer is the easiest way to travel to or from Forlì, giving you a direct service without the need to rely on train connections or drive the busy roads of Emilia-Romagna yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven by a local, professional driver, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.

From Forlì, the nearest hub is Bologna city centre, which can be reached in about 1 hour, a distance of 80 km. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is around 1 hour 10 minutes away at 85 km, while Florence Airport can be reached in about 1 hour 40 minutes, covering 120 km. A transfer to Rimini usually takes 45 minutes with a journey of 55 km. For those heading north, Milan Linate Airport is about 2 hours 40 minutes away, a distance of 250 km.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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