Affi
Welcome to Affi, a hidden gem in the heart of Veneto,
just a few steps from the southeastern shores of Lake Garda.
The history of Affi spans thousands of years and has its roots in Roman times,
when these lands were already renowned for the cultivation of olives and vines,
enabling the production of high-quality wine.
Over the centuries, the village transformed from a rural centre into a commercial and residential hub.
Affi offers some historical and cultural sites worth visiting:
from the Pieve di Sant’Andrea, a 12th-century Romanesque church
built largely with local Incaffi stone,
to the Parish Church of San Pietro in Vincoli, in neoclassical style.
There are also several beautiful residences, such as Villa Poggi,
renovated in the 17th century by the Da Persico family.
With the addition of porticoes in the early 19th century,
the villa reached a total length of 140 metres.
Also of great interest is the West Star site:
an incredible “underground citadel” dating back to the Cold War era,
built inside Mount Moscal.
Once a military bunker of NATO’s Allied Land Forces Southern Europe,
this fallout shelter has now been recognised as a heritage site.
It will soon house a museum dedicated to that historical period, with a public opening planned.
The surroundings of Affi offer magnificent natural spots,
ideal for unforgettable walks and excursions.
Numerous wine cellars and vineyards provide guided tours and tastings,
allowing visitors to discover and savour the region’s winemaking heritage.
The hills around Affi are a true paradise for hikers and nature lovers:
the trails offer spectacular panoramic views of Lake Garda,
the surrounding villages, and the distant mountains.
In particular, the Parco della Rocca, located not far from Affi,
is a valuable protected natural area.
What to eat
Around Lake Garda, the culinary journey is rich in flavours and traditions. This area, which includes places like Garda, Bardolino, Affi, and Lazise, offers cuisine deeply tied to the lake’s waters, enriched by strong Venetian roots and influences from Trentino and Lombardy.
At the heart of everything is the Garda DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) extra virgin olive oil. This precious ingredient is present in most dishes—even some sweet ones. This oil, together with the area’s wines, embodies the identity of the region.
Among the first courses that best represent the Veronese Garda tradition, bigoli con le sarde di lago (bigoli with lake sardines) stands out. Once a humble dish, it has been rediscovered for its simplicity and intense flavour.
From the inland, the famous tortellini of Valeggio sul Mincio are made with ultra-thin pastry and a rich filling of meat, cheese, nutmeg and rosemary. These tortellini, well known around Verona and Mantua, are also called “love knots” due to a 14th-century legend of two lovers, still celebrated today during the Festa del Nodo d’Amore.
Peasant tradition is also found in Carbonèra, a dish of polenta whipped with local cheeses and enriched with Garda DOP olive oil. Once prepared by charcoal burners, it is still appreciated today for its creamy texture and robust flavour.
The lake’s clear waters offer a wide variety of fish that become the stars of appetisers, first courses and main dishes. Trout, whitefish, sardines and perch are grilled, stewed, or used in risottos and flavourful pasta dishes.
