Forlimpopoli: where food becomes culture

In the heart of Romagna, amidst ancient history and authentic flavours

Halfway between Forlì and Cesena, along the ancient Via Emilia, lies Forlimpopoli: a lively, welcoming town, deeply connected to its history and passionate about fine cuisine. This is where Pellegrino Artusi, the father of modern Italian gastronomy, was born. But Forlimpopoli is much more than the birthplace of a famous figure: it is a crossroads of culture, art and taste, where every stone tells a story and every dish inspires emotion.

The origins: from Forum Popilii to the city of taste

A story that begins with the Romans

The roots of Forlimpopoli date back to the 2nd century BC, when the Romans founded Forum Popilii along the Via Emilia. A strategic agricultural and commercial centre, it became a municipium during the imperial era and an episcopal seat with Saint Rufillo. In the Middle Ages, amidst disputes and destruction (such as that by Cardinal Albornoz in 1361), the city was rebuilt around the mighty Albornoz Fortress, still today a symbol of the town.

A fortress that tells the story of time

The Rocca di Forlimpopoli, with its square layout and four towers, dominates the central Piazza Garibaldi. Built in the 14th century, today it houses the Town Hall and the Tobia Aldini Archaeological Museum, home to precious artefacts from the Palaeolithic to the Roman era.

Archaeological Museum of Forlimpopoli – Piazza della Libertà, 1, 47032 Bertinoro FC

Forlimpopoli, the Artusian city

Pellegrino Artusi, the genius of Italian cuisine

In 1820, Pellegrino Artusi was born here, author of Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well, the first true manual of modern Italian cuisine. With 790 recipes collected from north to south, Artusi codified the domestic gastronomic tradition, making it accessible and replicable.

Casa Artusi: the temple of gastronomic knowledge

Casa Artusi was created in his honour, a unique cultural and gastronomic centre in Italy. It hosts:

A themed library on cooking

A cookery school where you can learn to roll out pasta by hand

A restaurant that reinterprets Artusian recipes

Exhibition and museum spaces

Here, every day, you can feel the legacy of Artusi’s philosophy in the air, among courses, workshops, events, and the aroma of freshly made ragù.

Casa Artusi – Centre for Gastronomic Culture, Library and Restaurant – Via Andrea Costa, 27 Forlimpopoli (FC) www.casartusi.it/en/

The Artusiana Festival

Nine days to celebrate good food

Between June and July, Forlimpopoli transforms into the capital of Italian cuisine. The Artusian Festival is a highly anticipated event: squares and streets take on the names of recipes from the manual, food stalls enliven the centre, and food becomes a universal language.

In addition to gastronomy, there are shows, meetings, workshops, music and cultural awards. A true festival of taste, where you eat, learn and celebrate the pleasure of conviviality.

Artusiana Festival – Dates and information at www.festartusiana.it

Culture, art and territory

Strolling through history, churches and flavours

In addition to the Rocca, Forlimpopoli boasts an important artistic heritage:

The Basilica of San Rufillo, with traces of the ancient Roman-Christian worship

The Palazzo della Torre and the Chiesa dei Servi, which showcase the Renaissance side of the city

The former Rationalist Aqueduct, now a cultural venue and event space

For visits, opening hours and information, please visit www.forlimpopolicittartusiana.it

Strolling through the town centre, you can soak up an authentic atmosphere, with peaceful streets and shops filled with the aroma of warm piadina and squacquerone cheese.

Experiences among vineyards and hills

Forlimpopoli is also the ideal starting point for exploring rural Romagna. Just a few kilometres away, hills, vineyards and small villages invite you to slow down, savour a glass of Sangiovese and rediscover the beauty of simple living.

What to eat (and where to find it)

Romagna cuisine in all its glory

In Forlimpopoli, you eat well. Everywhere. The local restaurants and trattorias offer traditional Artusian and Romagnolo dishes:

Cappelletti in broth

Tagliatelle with ragù

Artusi’s Meatballs

Flatbread with herbs and cheeses

Traditional desserts such as Romagna ciambella

Every dish is prepared with love, local ingredients, and the unmistakable touch of home cooking.

Visiting Forlimpopoli is a taste experience

Forlimpopoli is not just a tourist destination: it is a journey through memory, flavour and culture. A city that has managed to transform its history and tradition into a modern, welcoming, irresistible experiential offering. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a food lover or a curious soul in search of authenticity, Forlimpopoli welcomes you with a smile, fresh pasta and a table always set. Because here, as Artusi would say:

“The kitchen is a little rascal that often drives you to despair, but also brings pleasure.”