Affi

Welcome to Affi

Hello everyone! Are you ready to discover a bit of history and beauty in the town of Affi? This municipality, located about 30 kilometers northwest of Verona, is a small jewel of the Veneto region that is certainly worth a visit.

Between nature and history

Affi is located at the foot of Monte Moscal, which dominates the southern part of Lake Garda and balances out Monte Baldo. The town is bordered by the Tasso stream, which flows into the Adige river, and this alone shows how much nature is present and important in this area.

But Affi is also a place full of history and evidence of the past. In fact, the name of the town derives from Lombard or Germanic and may indicate the existence of an arimannia. The first mention of Affi dates back to the ninth century when a stone defensive tower was built during the Hungarian invasions.

Over the centuries, the town was a fiefdom of the San Zeno Abbey, which gave it the name of Castelnuovo dell'Abate, and in 1260, it adopted a rural statute. Today, Affi preserves the ancient nucleus of the village, characterized by small houses built with seregni (round pebbles from the Adige glacier) and a few historic villas.

Affi: nature, history and innovation in a Venetian village.

Places of interest

If you decide to take a tour of Affi, you cannot miss the beauty of the religious architectural heritage of the town. Among the most interesting churches are the Church of St. Andrew, dating back to the twelfth century, and the Church of St. Peter in Chains, built between 1749 and 1761 by the architect Lodovico Perini. Here you can admire the altarpiece of "St. Anthony of Padua, Vincent Ferrer and Bovo in Adoration of the Sacred Heart", attributed to Giovanni Ghirlandini. Another religious gem is the Church of St. Bartholomew in Caorsa, which dates back to the thirteenth century.

Among the historic villas that deserve to be mentioned are Villa Fracastoro, dating back to the sixteenth century and located in a panoramic position near Incaffi, and Villa da Persico, where the famous Napoleon Bonaparte allegedly stayed during his retreat from exile on the island of Elba.

Society and demography

Affi is a municipality of 2360 inhabitants, which is mainly dedicated to tourism related to Lake Garda and commercial activities (in particular, it boasts having the largest shopping center in the area). It is worth mentioning that in the town there is the "West Star", an underground citadel dug into Monte Moscal during the Cold War.

The population of Affi is constantly increasing, despite the general economic crisis. In recent years, some migratory flows have also been recorded, especially of people coming from Eastern Europe and employed mainly in the picking of fruits and vegetables in nearby fields.

The village of Affi: between tradition and innovation

Visiting Affi means immersing oneself in the tradition and culture of a small Venetian community, but also discovering a reality that knows how to look to the future and innovation. In fact, the town is equipped with a wide network of public and private services that meet the needs of residents and tourists: from schools to healthcare, transportation, and leisure spots.

In this context, Affi also stands out for its attention to the environment and sustainability. In the area, there are numerous organic farms that make sustainable agriculture their mission. But the town is also at the forefront of electric car technology: a "Tesla Supercharger" for recharging Tesla electric cars has been placed in the area near the highway.

Conclusions

Affi is a small town nestled between the mountains of the Veneto region, but it can surprise and fascinate those who approach it. Between the beauty of nature, rich history, and a present that promotes innovation, Affi is an ideal place for those looking for peace, relaxation, and culture. You just have to visit and discover it in person!

Alessandro Romano
Updated Tuesday, Aug 23, 2022