Affile
Welcome to Affìle: the small historical town at the foot of the Affilani Mountains
Affìle is an Italian municipality located in the metropolitan city of Rome Capital. With only 1447 inhabitants, the town is a quiet and picturesque town immersed in unspoiled nature at the foot of the Affilani Mountains. Despite its small size, Affìle boasts a long and interesting history that has left visible traces in its architecture and monuments.
The physical geography of Affìle
Affìle is located in the southern part of the Affilani Mountains and overlooks the Aniene valley. The historic part of the city is located 684 meters above sea level, while the new residential neighborhoods are located along the mountain ridges. The climate in Affìle is temperate, with cold and humid winters and hot but not excessively hot summers.
The history of Affìle
Affìle has ancient origins, probably founded by the Ernici. Over the centuries, the city has undergone numerous changes and has seen the passage of different owners, including the Abbey of Santa Scolastica in Subiaco and the noble families Altieri and Braschi. Today, the historical monuments of Affìle represent a great cultural heritage for the city.
Monuments and places of interest in Affìle
Among the most interesting monuments of Affìle, we find the church of San Pietro, located on the hill of San Pietro to the east of the historic center. Originally founded in the 6th century as the seat of a monastic community, the church has undergone numerous renovations over the centuries and now has a rectangular plan (7 m x 12 m) covered by a trussed roof. Among the frescoes preserved inside, the one of the "Crucifixion between Saint Benedict and a Bishop" stands out.
How to reach Affìle
Affìle is located about 80 kilometers east of Rome and is easily reachable by car via the state road 155. If you are traveling from Rome, you can take the A24 highway towards L'Aquila and exit at Vicovaro-Mandela, then follow the state road 155 towards Affìle. Alternatively, you can take the train from Rome to the Mandela station, which is only a few kilometers from the center of Affìle.
What to do in Affìle
Affìle is an ideal destination for nature lovers and for those seeking a break from the chaos of the city. The town offers many opportunities for long walks and hikes in nature, with breathtaking views of the Affilani Mountains and the Aniene valley. If you love history and art, don't miss a visit to the church of San Pietro and the Cicerara, a large Roman cistern that collected the waters of a spring in the eastern part of the city. The city is also famous for its cuisine, especially for its specialties based on porcini mushrooms and truffles, which are collected in the surrounding woods.
Where to stay in Affìle
Affìle offers several accommodation options for visitors, including hotels, bed & breakfasts, and agritourisms. Many of the accommodations are located in panoramic positions that offer spectacular views of the Affilani Mountains and the Aniene valley. If you prefer a more economical option, you can also find campsites and hostels in the surrounding area.
Conclusions
Affìle is a city that offers many opportunities to spend a relaxing and regenerating vacation. With its long history, charming architecture, and privileged location at the foot of the Affilani Mountains, Affìle will surely leave you with an unforgettable memory.
