The
Piazza Saffi is a pretty gathering place in the center
of Forli. Of note in Forli is the Galleria Pinacoteca
(a museum and former palace) with works by 13th - 15th
century artists. "Portrait of a Young Girl" by Lorenzo
di Credi is here as well as works by Angelico, Guercino and others.
The Basilica di San Mercuriale is a Romanesque church
with paintings and a 16th century cloister. The Rocca
di Ravaldino
is
on the southwest side of town. Monday and Friday are Market
days in Forli.
In
the beautiful walled (14th century) town of Cesena,
you’re first caught by the castle/Rocca Malatestiana
at the top of the town (a 15th century fortified castle)
— it is truly an imposing sight. You should wander around
the Biblioteca Malatestiana (15th century library/museum)
as it has a large collection of fine books and is a lovely building
architecturally. Stop in the cathedral too. You have the
best of both worlds in Cesena — you’re near the sea
and near the mountains…..
San
Leo is a charming town located above the foothills of the
Appenines on a rocky pinnacle (Mount Fumaiolo)….it’s
an exquisite sight. To get here you have to drive a steep and
winding road — very cool — great photos. The Renaissance
fortress/fortezza/Rocca (15th century) is right
at the edge of a cliff and the views from up here are fabulous.
The fortress is a super example of military architecture. Today
it is an art gallery and the Museo Civico (paintings, armory
and cells). On the other end of town is the TorreCivica/Torre
Campanaria (12th century). In between you have
the wonderful town with cobbled streets, squares, churches and
ancient houses. The Pieve or parish church is from the
9th century. The duomo is from the 12th
century and is a good example of Lombard-Romanesque style (almost
Gothic). The palazzi that line the main square (Piazza
Dante) have coats of arms in marble and there’s a fountain/Fontana
(19th century) in the center of the square. There are
many walks you can take for views and tours about this town —
it’s a treat of a place!