Car Hire Forli

Mini guide to Forli

The ancient city of Forli has numerous historic buildings and art galleries and also makes a good base for exploring nearby Bologna, Cesena and the Emilia region.

Sights not to be missed include the 800-year-old church of San Mercuriale with its famous painting of the ‘Adoration of the Three Wise Men’ and the sarcophagus of Barbara Manfredi. Also make sure you see the Ravaldino fortress, built in 1360 to defend the town, and boasting several famous owners, including Caterina Sforza and Cesare Borgia.

Another interesting sight is the compound of the Convent of San Domenico, which is in the process of being turned into a cultural and theatrical location. Founded in 1229, it currently houses art works of great value, including the sepulchre of the blessed Salomoni and the urn of the blessed Marcoloni Alemanni.

As to be expected from an Italian city, the food options in Forli are plentiful and varied, with the game meats of the Emilia region figuring prominently on menus. Nearby Bologna is a Mecca for its food and for clothes shoppers who will love its designer shoes and suits. The numerous sights in its old walled town should also not be missed.

A nearby city which merits an excursion is Cesena, with its many attractions, including the beautiful Masini Fountain, the imposing Malatestian Fortress, the Malatestian Library and the Bonci Theatre - recently restored to its mid-19th century glory.

You can fly direct to Forli Airport with Ryanair from London. A single flight arrives daily at 21:15. Frequent trains run from Milan and Rome, but the closest major city is Bologna, with trains running every 40 minutes (duration: 30 minutes). By bus, Bologna is 75 minutes away.