Twinning with Forli
History
It was an important Roman trade centre on the Aemilian way and
was called Forum Livii. Forli lies between two rivers the
Rabbi and the Montone and stood on an island until the Middle Ages,
(1050) when the river was diverted out of the town. Around
the 10th century Forli proclaimed itself a republic and supported
the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1241 the city loyally
aided Emperor Frederick II to take Faenza. As a reward the
city received permission to decorate its coat of arms with the
Swabia Eagle. The Ordelaffi family ruled for almost two
centuries. Under the rule of Pino III from 1466 -
1480 fine buildings and monuments were built. The arts
thrived and citizens lived in enlightened peace. Caterina
Sforza followed but Cesare Borgia ended her short reign. The
Ordelaffis regained power for a short while 1503 – 1504 until Pope
Julius II annexed Forli to the Papal States and Forli’s
independence was ended. Most of the 19th century was
dominated by the great personality Aurelio Saffi 1819 – 1890 who
worked for the unification of the country until the kingdom of
Italy was proclaimed. He spent his last 20 years studying and
teaching and also held office as Town Councillor of Forli.
The square where the Town Hall stands is named after him Piazza
Saffi.
Economy
It is a prosperous agricultural and industrial
centre. Manufactures include silk, rayon, clothing,
machinery, metals and household appliances.
Twinning Activities
Helpston under Fives and Alpha Kindergarten School exchange 2000
- 2001
Two local nursery schools exchange teaching information and
children’s work with two nurseries in Forli.
Forli Municipal Police Road Safety Event May 2001
Two traffic police and the Mayor of Peterborough visit Forli to
attend the presentation of the 2001 Road Safety Campaign in Forli
and visit an exhibition of student work on road safety.
Forli Municipal Police 150th Anniversary May 2002
Two local policemen attended a concert performed by the Municipal
Police Corp Band of Rome, followed by a day of Road Safety
activities focused on cycling, for schoolchildren, and a televised
round table debate on cycling and road safety in the region.
Judo Competition organised by the Sakura Judo Club Forli March
2004
Two senior judo players from Peterborough attended.
International Judo Competition & environment meeting in
Forli 8-10 April 2005
Eight people from Peterborough Judo teams and 17 people from the
National judo team attended the event in Forli.
Director of Environment Services and Head of Planning met with
colleagues in Forli To share experience and best practice regarding
sustainable transport and planning. The Mayor of Peterborough was
also present at both events.
School link established between Beeches school and Primary
School in Forli
Email link set up between the two schools work exhibited on the
link in this marquee
Peterborough Festival 8-10 July 2005
22 people from Forli took part in a ladies' football competition
with ladies' football teams from Peterborough and surrounding
areas.
Twinning Support Groups
There is no society set up for the purpose of
supporting Peterborough's links with Forli. However, The
Italian Community Association helps and supports the city council
with twinning events looking after and interpreting/translating
for visitors from Forli.
Forli website - http://www.comune.forli.fo.it/