The province of Forlì-Cesena is strategically located within the Adriatic area, with two important freight terminals and proximity to the airports of Bologna and Rimini. The territory has a population of almost 396,000 inhabitants and is home to the Forlì and Cesena campuses of the University of Bologna, with almost 11 thousand students. The main industries are living and mechanics followed by agribusiness, but the province is also at the heart of the regional Wellness Valley. There are two exhibition centres in Forlì and Cesena. The area enjoys a rich historical and artistic heritage across a multitude of towns and villages, integrated with numerous food and wine itineraries. The area’s natural attractions are of no less importance and range from the numerous itineraries in the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines to the coastal marine oases, as well as renowned summer destinations such as Cesenatico.
Population
| FORLÌ-CESENA | Data | Source – Year |
| Total population | 395.530 | Istat – 2019 |
| Male | 49% | Istat – 2019 |
| Female | 51% | Istat – 2019 |
| % youth population (<15 years) | 13,2% | Istat – 2019 |
| % elderly population (>65 years) | 24,3% | Istat – 2019 |
| No. students enrolled in university | 10.708 | Miur – a.a. 2017/18 |
Residential property market trends
(SOURCE OMI, ARTER)
The province is made up of 30 municipalities.
The number of normalised transactions (NTN) in the province during 2018 was 3,968, an increase of 16% compared to 2017. This figure has enjoyed growth for the past 5 years: transactions in the province of Forlì-Cesena amounted to 2,337.45 in 2013, meaning an increase of 69.75% in 2018.
Of all the provincial capitals, Forlì-Cesena has the best record in terms of percentage variation (+19%). In terms of property size, transactions in the province of Forlì-Cesena can be broken down as shown:
- 9% properties up to 50 sqm
- 30% properties between 50 sqm and 85 sqm
- 28% properties between 85 sqm and 115 sqm
- 16% properties between 115 sqm and 145 sqm
- 18% over 145 sqm
As many as 39% of the population opts for medium-small properties of 85 m2 or less.
In absolute terms, the highest average prices are those of Cesenatico with €2,700/m2, “Cesena and Valle del Rubicone” and the provincial capital of Forlì with €1,598/m2 and €1,582/m2 respectively.
Description of socio-economic context
Production specialisation, districts and specialities, foreign investors in the province
The main industries are living, mechanics and agribusiness. Other specialisations include the international district of upholstered furniture in Forlì. The territory is at the heart of the Wellness Valley with global brands such as Technogym, while the nautical sector boasts brands such as Ferretti. San Mauro Pascoli is home to a famous footwear district. Within agribusiness, distribution and the cold chain are strong areas, as well as the numerous typical products (from Sogliano cheese to the piadina). The province is home to two exhibition centres, one in Forlì and one in Cesena.
A total of 213 foreign multinationals have invested in the province, including: Ferretti, Celanese, Sergio Rossi, Panasonic (Vossloh Sistemi), and Dometic.
Other outstanding companies include: Technogym, Arca, Apofruit, Orogel, Dorelan, Olitalia, Pollini, and Baldinini.
| Companies and work | Data | Source – Year |
| Number of local units | 41.921 | Smail – 2017 |
| Employees | 150.862 | Smail – 2017 |
| Unemployment rate | 4,8% | Istat – 2018 |
Employees by supply chain (Smail 2017)
Services
Innovation, transport, smart city, etc.
The province of Forlì-Cesena is strategically located with two important freight terminals (Cesena and Villaselva), and proximity to the international airports of Bologna and Rimini and the Port of Ravenna. Bologna holds 22nd place nationally (out of over 100 cities) in the 2019 smart city index by I-City Rank (Forum PA). The University of Bologna CICLoPE Laboratory and the Romagna Scientific Institute for the Study and Treatment of Cancer (IRST) are internationally renowned. The Forlì-Cesena Technopole comprises 3 laboratories (Ciri Aeronautica, Ciri Ict and Ciri Agroalimentare).
Cultural and natural heritage, accommodation, tourism
The province has a rich historical heritage that stretches from historic city centres and numerous villages scattered across the territory, from Brisighella to Forlimpopoli, to the port of Cesenatico, designed by Leonardo Da Vinci. The province registers an annual presence of 5.5 million visitors and an accommodation capacity of approximately 61,000 beds (2018). The wonders of the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines, such as the Acqua Cheta waterfalls or the Foreste Casentinesi National Park, combine with the Wellness Valley, with many food and wine itineraries as part of the “Strada dei vini e dei sapori dei Colli di Forlì e Cesena”, and the spas of Castrocaro and Fratta. Cultural attractions include several museum complexes and the historical Bonci theatre.
For more informations: https://www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it/it/localita/forli
Map of main structures and infrastructure
| Distances | Km |
| Cesena – San Marino | 49 |
| Cesena – Pesaro | 70 |
| Forlì – Ravenna | 29 |
| Forlì – Bologna | 74 |
A selection of companies from the Province of Forlì-Cesena
Real estate in Forlì and Cesena
Forlì Airport
CESENA NOVELLO DISTRICT (UMI3 building)
THE PALACE OF COWS (PALAZZO DELLE VACCHE)
FORLÌ- AREA TO BE REFURBISHED
In-depth links
- Campus di Forlì – Università di Bologna: https://www.unibo.it/en/campus-forli/forli-campus
- Campus di Cesena – Università di Bologna: http://www.unibo.it/en/campus-cesena/cesena-campus
- Wellness Valley: https://www.wellnessvalley.it/
- Strada dei vini e dei sapori dei Colli di Forlì e Cesena: http://www.stradavinisaporifc.it/en/
- Parco Nazionale Foreste Casentinesi: https://www.parcoforestecasentinesi.it//
Italian only:
- Tecnopolo di Forlì-Cesena: tecnopolo.forlicesena.it
- CICLoPE Laboratoty: ciclope.unibo.it