Piazza Aurelio Saffi

Piazza Saffi is one of the largest squares in Italy and has been the heart of Forlì's life for at least eight centuries. It takes its name from Aurelio Saffi, a patriot from Forlì and triumvir of the Roman Republic of 1849 alongside Mazzini and Armellini, commemorated by the monument at its centre.

The city's history unfolds around its sides. The Town Hall, once the residence of the Ordelaffi lords of Forlì, has a 19th-century façade but preserves frescoed halls inside. The 15th-century Palazzo del Podestà is built in terracotta with Gothic windows and a balcony from which proclamations were read. On the east side stands the Abbazia di San Mercuriale with its bell tower.

On the south side and along the streets leading from the square, you'll also see 20th-century buildings such as the Post Office, which anticipate the rationalist quarter of Viale della Libertà.

The square is always open. The Monday and Friday market fills it with stalls, whilst in the evening the bars under the arcades are where the people of Forlì gather. The interiors of the palaces can be seen on the guided tours of Esplora Forlì, which depart from the tourist office.