FORL

Latin Forum Livii, city, capital of Forl province, Emilia-Romagna region, in northern Italy on the Fiume (river) Montone and the Via Aemilia, southeast of Bologna. Known to the Romans as Forum Livii, it is said to have been founded by the consul Livius Salinator in the 2nd century BC. As a 12th-century commune, it was in league with Ravenna, and in the 13th it was the seat of the imperial count of Romagna province, a position that led to its deep involvement in the conflicts between Guelf and Ghibelline (papal and imperial) factions. Ruled by the Ordelaffi family from 1315, Forl was taken by Cesare Borgia, the cardinal and military leader, in 1500 and annexed to the Papal States in 1504. It became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860. Notable buildings include the 12th-century abbey of S. Mercuriale, the origins of which go back to the earliest bishops of Forl in the 4th century; the 15th-century fortress of Caterina Sforza Riario, who defended it against Borgia; the cathedral, entirely rebuilt in the 19th century; and the town hall (1459). The chief works of the painter Melozzo da Forl are in Rome and Loreto, but Forl's art gallery contains works by Marco Palmezzano, a disciple of Melozzo and also a native of the city. The civic museum and library have fine collections. Forl is on the main railway and road from Milan to Bari and Brindisi and has an airport. The surrounding land is very fertile, and agriculture is the most important economic activity. Industries include the manufacture of artificial textiles, chemicals, shoes, and metal products. Pop. (1984 est.) mun., 110,943.