Abbey of San Mercuriale

The Building

Of Romanesque-Lombard layout, the Abbey of San Mercuriale (1178 – 1181), dedicated to the first Bishop of Forlì, is an extraordinary example of a monument charged with religious, artistic and civil value. Overlooked by the imposing Lombard-style bell tower (over 70 metres high), the abbey stands on what was probably a cemetery area in Roman times, outside the walls, where the bishops of Forlì’s first Christian community used to be buried. Its current appearance is the result of massive restoration work dating back to the early decades of the 20th century.

The façade boasts an authentic masterpiece: the portal lunette is in fact embellished with a high relief, datable to the early 13th century, Dream and Adoration of the Magi, attributed to the Maestro dei Mesi of Ferrara. This sculptural work is believed to represent one of the earliest sculpted nativity scenes.

The Interior

The interior of the church, with a basilica plan, is divided into three naves. Numerous masterpieces of art are displayed in it. The Funeral Monument to Barbara Manfredi (1466) by Francesco di Simone Ferrucci da Fiesole stands out for the fineness of its design and decoration.

Of absolute value are some altarpieces by Marco Palmezzano, such as the remarkable Madonna and Child with Saints John and Catherine of Alexandria, the extraordinary Immaculate Conception with Saints Augustine, Anselm and Stephen, and the exquisitely crafted altarpiece Crucifix and Saints John Gualbert and Magdalene.