Arrival of Girolamo Riario in Forlì

To honor and magnify the entry, the street of Santa Croce was adorned all the way to the Codogni gate. Elaborate arches and festive decorations in the ancient style were set up along the sides, where all the citizens and women of the city stood, richly dressed and well-ordered.

Trumpets sounded at the designated posts as the procession began. The first to enter were a hundred infantrymen with long blades, followed by another hundred bearing Roman shields, who skillfully cleared the way through the streets leading up to the square.

Next, in an organized fashion, a hundred crossbowmen entered, their crossbows loaded but lacking bolts, while the aforementioned infantrymen secured the entrances to the streets. Behind them, a hundred additional infantrymen, who had served in Forlì until then, marched into the square, perfectly arranged.

Five well-ordered squadrons of armed men then advanced, their disciplined and silent movements captivating the crowd. In the square, they divided into two groups, accompanied by the sounds of trumpets, cannons, and muskets. Their voices rose to the heavens, shouting “Jeronimo.”

Further adding to the spectacle, forty-two mules carrying golden chests arrived, adorned with pink silk coverings. On each chest was the coat of arms of…

A squadron led by Giovanni Francesco da Tolentino, even better organized than the previous ones, appeared on the square. Before them stood a wooden castle called Otranto, where a significant number of Janissaries dressed in Ottoman fashion could be seen, an impressive and meticulously arranged sight. However, there was no combat that evening, as it had been planned otherwise.

Following them, a hundred pairs of cherubs in uniform entered, their hats adorned with decorations and garlands, each holding a sprig of boxwood.

The city’s young artists then proceeded, two by two, carrying their banners and insignias, a multitude of them.

Next, four prominent citizens, including Orso and the Lady of the Bears, M. Gismundo, and Francesco, four designated gonfaloniers, each with their own followers and their respective quarter, advanced with their gonfalons leading the way.

Once all the aforementioned parties had entered, the elders, who preside over the city, marched in and halted beneath the Codogni gate, eagerly awaiting the Lord who held the keys to the city, carried on a silver plaque by Giovanni Francesco da Tolentino.

Following them, distinguished gentlemen, elders, and the Lord’s secretaries entered. They were followed by four mules and four horses, adorned with silver saddles and fittings. Eight young pages accompanied them, dressed in crimson silk doublets and matching stockings.

Moreover, twelve young riders on silver-plated horses followed, with intricately crafted silver-gilt harnesses. They were joined by several Roman men dressed in golden brocade, wearing chains and various jewels.

Jerome, accompanied by his lady, slowly approached, escorted by twenty-four attendants, all dressed in green silk doublets, with colored stockings and swords slung over their shoulders. They also wore Catalan daggers, while Jerome himself was dressed in a cream-colored satin gown and a white-golden hat, riding a large, sturdy horse covered in golden fabric. The aforementioned lady wore a highly dignified golden gown, adorned with French fashion, and together they made their way toward the Codogni gate. There, Giovanni Francesco da Tolentino and the elders greeted them, and one of them delivered a speech in the vernacular language. They then exchanged pleasantries, and the keys of the city were handed to Giovanni Francesco da Tolentino, who held them throughout.

Behind them, a crowd of maidens, matrons, and other distinguished men slowly followed, wearing rich garments, all elegantly adorned and carrying various offerings in their hands, which were presented to Jerome and his lady as they progressed.

Lastly, the populace, in their thousands, followed the procession with joyous hearts and enthusiastic cries of “Jeronimo” as they entered the city, bringing the celebrations to a resounding climax.

On the website CATERINASFORZA.COM there is another letter written by Antonio Appiani, the trusted orator of the Sforza Duke of Milan, describing the entry of Girolamo Riario and Caterina into Forlì.

Girolamo Riario arrivo Forlì – Article by  Eugenio Larosa last updated on June 4, 2023.