Discover Forlì: Architecture, Collections and Theatre

Forlì can be explored through several themes: Romanesque-Lombard architecture, municipal collections, theatre, cycling routes and a large park each offer a different perspective. When choosing a hotel, the focus of your stay can be a useful starting point. The places and themes mentioned range from medieval buildings to cultural venues with a more recent history. So, when planning your trip, you can choose between historical, cultural and scenic perspectives.

Architecture and Urban History

The Abbazia di San Mercuriale is a Romanesque-Lombard architectural monument dating from 1178 to 1181. Its Lombard bell tower is more than 70 metres high. The abbey is also home to the tomb of Barbara Manfredi, dated 1466 and created by Francesco di Simone Ferrucci of Fiesole. The construction period and the tomb therefore refer to different historical moments.

The Rocca di Ravaldino, also known as the Rocca di Caterina Sforza, is also part of the city’s defensive history: throughout the Middle Ages, it was one of the places designated to defend Forlì. The abbey and the fortress thus represent different ways of approaching the city’s history—religious architectural heritage and medieval defence.

Collections and Museum

Since 2013, the Palazzo Romagnoli has housed Forlì’s municipal collections from the 20th century. The permanent exhibition of the Collezione Verzocchi occupies the entire first floor of the palazzo. While the abbey, with its building and tomb, evokes earlier centuries, the palazzo turns the focus to 20th-century collections.

The Museo Civico di San Domenico is accessible to people with disabilities.

Theatre and Getting Around

The Teatro Diego Fabbri opened in September 2000 with a performance by the Orchestra Filarmonica della Scala conducted by Riccardo Muti. It has 710 seats: 550 in the stalls and 160 in the gallery. There is also a foyer with 100 seats and two rehearsal rooms. As the facilities may change, check these details when planning your visit.

The Teatro Diego Fabbri is near Piazza Saffi and is served by bus routes 2, 3, 4 and 6. Check the route timetables before travelling. This keeps the location and bus connections as practical guidance, separate from information about the theatre’s history and facilities.

Cycling Routes and Park

The Bicipolitana Forlì comprises four themed routes that let you discover Forlì from scenic, architectural, cultural and nature-focused perspectives. If you would like to explore the city by bike, these themes can help you choose a focus for your visit.

The Parco Urbano Franco Agosto covers 26 hectares and is bordered by the Montone River. Its size and riverside setting distinguish this green space from the city’s architectural and museum attractions. Together, these facts offer different starting points for exploring Forlì during a stay, according to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Montiano, Alfero, Bagno Di Romagna, Camposonaldo, Balze, Verghereto, Meldola, Montepetra

Return to the main travel overview: Forlì-Cesena.