Aurelio Saffi Monument
Forlì's vibrant heart, blending historical monuments, diverse architecture, and a lively local atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, local stalls
Aurelio Saffi Monument
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, local stalls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Forlì's vibrant heart, blending historical monuments, diverse architecture, and a lively local atmosphere.
"Surely one of the most beautiful squares in Italy! Often underrated, it is worth a visit."
📸 Photo Ops Challenge
Flea markets can obstruct views of the monument. Try early mornings or evenings for clearer shots.
⬆️ Towering Views
Climb the Abbey of San Mercuriale's tower for stunning aerial views of Forlì. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aurelio Saffi Monument
Center of Piazza Aurelio Saffi
The central statue honoring Aurelio Saffi, a key figure in Italian Risorgimento history.
Abbey of San Mercuriale
North side of the piazza
An impressive historical building with a climbable tower offering panoramic city views.
Piazza Aurelio Saffi Architecture
Surrounding the piazza
Admire the blend of medieval, Renaissance, and rationalist buildings framing the square.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Capture the Grandeur
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Ops Challenge
Flea markets can obstruct views of the monument. Try early mornings or evenings for clearer shots.
⬆️ Towering Views
Climb the Abbey of San Mercuriale's tower for stunning aerial views of Forlì. :camerawithflash:
☕ Relax & People-Watch
Grab a coffee at a piazza cafe and soak in the relaxed, local atmosphere. :coffee:
📅 Check for Events
The piazza hosts various events, especially in summer and during holidays. :calendar:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Ops Challenge
Flea markets can obstruct views of the monument. Try early mornings or evenings for clearer shots.
⬆️ Towering Views
Climb the Abbey of San Mercuriale's tower for stunning aerial views of Forlì. :camerawithflash:
☕ Relax & People-Watch
Grab a coffee at a piazza cafe and soak in the relaxed, local atmosphere. :coffee:
📅 Check for Events
The piazza hosts various events, especially in summer and during holidays. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Piazza Aurelio Saffi is widely praised as one of Italy's beautiful, though often underrated, squares, offering a blend of history, architecture, and local life. Visitors enjoy the spaciousness, the impressive historical buildings like the Abbey of San Mercuriale, and the relaxed atmosphere. However, some find the central market can detract from the aesthetic and make photography difficult.
"Piazza Aurelio Saffi is the main square of Forlì and a beautiful place to explore if you’re visiting the city. It’s spacious, surrounded by impressive historical buildings, and has a relaxed, local atmosphere. You’ll find a mix of medieval, Renaissance, and rationalist architecture, with highlights like the Abbey of San Mercuriale, the Town Hall, and the Aurelio Saffi statue in the center.
It’s a great spot to walk around, grab a coffee, or just enjoy the view. On market days (usually Mondays and Fridays), it becomes even livelier with local stalls and vendors. There are also events throughout the year, especially during summer and Christmas.
If you’re in Forlì, don’t miss a stop here — it’s a perfect mix of history, culture, and everyday life"
Vincenzo Prestera
"The place is beautiful but looks little shabby because of the open market in the center. This place should have been kept more beautifully as this holds the history of Forli, Italy.
It was difficult to take pictures as the flea market was coming in the center."
Kakoli Roy
"A beautiful square wonderfully decorated for Christmas. You can climb the tall tower of the Abbey of San Mercuriale (it was completed around 1181) and enjoy a stunning aerial view of Forli"
sheila sangiovese
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Aurelio Saffi Monument is located in the main square, Piazza Aurelio Saffi, which is easily accessible on foot from most parts of Forlì's city center. If arriving by car, look for public parking areas nearby. Public transport options might include local buses that stop close to the piazza.
Yes, Piazza Aurelio Saffi is the central and most prominent square in Forlì, making it very easy to find. It's a hub for local activity and a good landmark.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The piazza and the Aurelio Saffi Monument itself are public spaces and are free to access. However, climbing the tower of the Abbey of San Mercuriale may have a small admission fee.
As a public square, Piazza Aurelio Saffi is accessible at all times. Individual buildings surrounding the piazza, like the Abbey of San Mercuriale, will have their own specific opening hours.
Yes, the piazza is generally accessible at night and is often beautifully lit, offering a different ambiance. However, access to surrounding buildings will be restricted.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Besides the monument, you can explore the Abbey of San Mercuriale, the Town Hall, and admire the diverse architectural styles surrounding the piazza. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll.
Sometimes, the central flea market can make it challenging to get unobstructed photos of the monument. Visiting during off-peak hours or on non-market days might yield better photographic opportunities.
The best viewpoint is from the top of the Abbey of San Mercuriale's tower, offering a stunning aerial perspective of the entire piazza and the city.
The piazza has a relaxed, local atmosphere, especially outside of market hours. It's a place where residents gather and enjoy the city's daily life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the piazza is lined with cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy coffee, snacks, or full meals while taking in the surroundings.
You'll find a variety of dining options, from casual cafes for a quick bite to more formal restaurants offering local Italian cuisine, all within easy reach of the piazza.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light. If you want to capture the monument without market stalls, avoid market days or try to find angles around the stalls.
The Aurelio Saffi Monument itself, the facade of the Abbey of San Mercuriale, and the panoramic views from the Abbey's tower are all highly photogenic.
Yes, during festive periods like Christmas or summer events, the piazza is often beautifully decorated, providing unique and vibrant photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Aurelio Saffi
The monument in Forlì, his birthplace, is a central feature of the city's main square, symbolizing his enduring legacy. Visitors often reflect on the historical weight of the piazza, appreciating it as a place that holds significant national memory. While the monument itself is a focal point, its presence enriches the overall historical context of the surrounding architecture and urban space.
Exploring Piazza Aurelio Saffi's Architecture
Opposite the Abbey, you'll find the Town Hall (Palazzo Comunale), a building that has evolved through various periods, displaying elements of medieval and Renaissance design. The square itself is a testament to urban planning, with its spacious layout inviting exploration. While some reviews mention the piazza looking a bit 'shabby' due to the market, this very vibrancy is part of its character, blending historical grandeur with the pulse of contemporary life.
During festive seasons, particularly Christmas, the piazza is transformed with beautiful decorations, adding another layer of visual appeal. This makes it a dynamic space that changes with the seasons and events, offering a different experience depending on when you visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit