Forlì, Italy - twinned 1991
Useful websites and contacts
Support Society
Forlì does not have a support society specifically set up for the purpose of supporting the twinning link with Forlì. However, there is a large Italian Community in Peterborough that often helps with events in Peterborough involving Forlì. For details of the Italian Community Association contact the International Links Officer
Location
Forlì is a city in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. It is approximately 27km from Ravenna, an important seaport and 63km from Bologna. The Emilia-Romagna region is in north-central Italy. Its nearest airports are Bologna and Rimini.
History
The surroundings of Forlì have been inhabited since the Paleolithic times. It was also an important Roman trade centre on the Aemilian way and called Forum Livi. Forlì lies between two rivers the Rabbi and the Montone and stood on an island until the middle ages when the river was diverted out of the town.
Around the 10th century Forlì proclaimed itself a republic and supported the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1241 they 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 were then to rule for almost two centuries. The best known of them was Pino III from 1466 - 1480. It was under his rule that fine buildings and monuments were built. The arts thrived and citizens lived in enlightened peace. Napoleon's troops occupied Modena, Bologna and Forlì during his Italian campaign 1796.
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. The square where the Town Hall stands is named after him, Piazza Saffi.
The Fascist leader Benito Mussolini was born at the nearby commune of Predappio. The great painter Melozzo da Forlì was born here. In the years between 1264 and 1 May 1315 Peregrine Laziosi lived in Forlì as a friar. Now he is the patron saint of people suffering from cancer, AIDS and other serious diseases, according to the Catholic Church.
Economy
It is a prosperous agricultural and industrial centre. Manufacturers include silk, rayon, clothing, machinery, metals and household appliances.