In the western part of the Veneto region, at the heart of the province of Verona, lies the latest destination in our journey through Italy’s enterprises: Villafranca di Verona.
This new stop gives us the opportunity to explore one of the oldest cities in the Veneto region, with medieval origins and great military significance.
History and Tradition: a journey into Villafranca’s Past
Villafranca di Verona is one of the most populated municipalities in the province, with nearly 33,000 inhabitants and located about 15 km from the city of Verona.
It was founded in 1185 by the Council of Rectors of Verona, who wanted to establish a village to defend the southern border. In 1202, the city’s castle was also completed.
In the 13th century, Villafranca became part of the Scaliger Lordship: in 1285, Alberto della Scala confirmed the founding act from a century earlier, along with the city’s acquired rights. In the 15th century, the Scaliger family expanded the castle and built the city walls — which is why it’s now known as the Scaliger Castle (Castello Scaligero).
One of the most historically significant periods for Villafranca was the Risorgimento, during which it took part in the Wars of Independence. On July 11, 1859, the Armistice of Villafranca was signed between Franz Joseph and Napoleon III, which brought an end to the Second War of Independence and initiated the process that led to the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
Villafranca was also involved in the Third War of Independence, and later in World War II, during which it suffered heavy bombings on August 28 and November 18, 1944.
After the war, Villafranca experienced a period of growth and prosperity, thanks to the economic boom of the 1960s. For example, both the civil airport and the Magalini Hospital were inaugurated during this time.
As for its name, Villafranca comes from its founding term “Burgus liber”, meaning a village exempt from taxes. It later became “Villa Libera” and finally “Villafranca.” The suffix “di Verona” was added after the unification with the Kingdom of Italy, to distinguish it from other cities with the same name.
What to See in Villafranca di Verona: From the Scaliger Castle to the Nicolis Museum
One of the most iconic landmarks and symbols of the city is the Scaliger Castle, which underwent several changes over the centuries before reaching its current form.
It was originally built between 1198 and 1202, but reconstructed after a fire between 1233 and 1243, during which a moat was added.
The structure includes four corner towers and three intermediate towers known as “shield towers,” from which weapons and objects were hurled at enemies.
The most prominent tower is called the “Mastio”, and another is known as the “Clock Tower”, following the addition of a clock in 1890.
Its current structure is largely the result of Scaliger rule, with construction completed between 1345 and 1359.
Another must-see site is Palazzo Bottagisio, where the armistice between Franz Joseph and Napoleon III was signed. Today, the building is open to the public. The ground floor and second floor house a museum dedicated to the Risorgimento, with costumes, weapons, and artifacts from the Italian unification period. The first floor features the restored former living quarters.
A key destination for motor enthusiasts (and more) is the Nicolis Museum: a vast private collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and bicycles from around the world, curated by entrepreneur Luciano Nicolis.
Alongside transport vehicles, the museum also showcases typewriters, musical instruments, and various items illustrating the evolution of technology over the past two centuries.
What to Eat in Villafranca: Tagliatelle with Chicken Livers, Risotto with Tastasal, and Sfogliatine Pastries
Villafranca and the surrounding Verona area are rich in traditional dishes and specialties. There are many delicious first courses, as well as main dishes and desserts.
Among the first courses are: “Taiadele coi fegadini”, tagliatelle in broth with chicken livers and “Risotto con tastasal”, a classic Venetian and Veronese risotto made with seasoned ground pork, salt, and pepper. The word “tastasal” means “to taste for salt” in the local dialect, as this recipe was originally used to test the seasoning of meat for sausages and cured meats.
For main courses, a standout is the boiled meat with pearà, a typical dish during winter and Christmas: it includes various cuts of boiled meat and vegetables, served with pearà, a spicy breadcrumb puree. There are several variations, but all stay true to the dish’s traditional ingredients.
To finish on a sweet note, a visit to the historic Caffè Fantoni is a must. Listed among the “Historic Places of Italy,” it is famous for the Fantoni aperitif, the “Acqua di Fiume” liqueur (in honor of Gabriele D’Annunzio), and most notably its sfogliatine — puff pastries dating back to 1870, made with flour, eggs, butter, and sugar.
These pastries were once reserved for wealthy families celebrating special occasions, and over the years have won several awards, becoming a signature dessert of local pastry-making. Today, Villafranca’s sfogliatine are known throughout Italy for their authenticity and simple, wholesome ingredients
The Companies of Villafranca di Verona: From Commercial Tradition to High-Tech Industry with Ultra-Fast Connectivity
Today, the Villafranca area is industrially renowned for its shoe-making tradition, mechanical industry, and paper production. It also has a vibrant commercial scene, highlighted by a local flea market held every Wednesday morning.
Since the post-war period, Villafranca has experienced strong economic development, leading to the birth and growth of numerous specialized and increasingly established companies. The local municipality is now pursuing a new redevelopment project for industrial zones, aiming to modernize businesses and make them more competitive.
Some standout companies include, Maritan: specializing in footwear manufacturing and sales, Maritan was founded in 1995 by Giancarlo Maritan, who had 20 years of experience in the field.
The company has since grown and expanded, opening two additional plants in Romania and Moldova. A family business that has evolved to meet both Italian and international market demands.
Ri.Lo.Gi.: Based in the Dossobuono area, Ri.Lo.Gi. focuses on logistics and terminals for multinational corporations and medium-to-large enterprises.
Founded in 1990, it has grown technologically over the years and now operates major rail terminals across Europe, coordinating from its logistics hubs in Northern Italy and employing over 100 people.
In 2025, it was recognized among the Top 100 Best Performing Companies by ItalyPost in the Villafranca industrial district.
Pavan Forniture Grafiche: Founded in 1984 by Luca Pavan, the company began with a small facility in the Verona area and quickly became known across Italy and Europe for its product quality.
In 2005, it expanded with new departments and a second 2,000 sqm production facility. In 2015, it further grew, acquiring its current 7,500 sqm headquarters in Dossobuono, dedicated to high-quality production and global exports.
Looking ahead, Villafranca’s businesses are preparing for the next phase of competitive development: adopting advanced services such as IoT, AI, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies, thanks to a new fiber optic infrastructure offering guaranteed transmission speeds of up to 10G, implemented by FibreConnect.
This ultra-broadband network will drive the development of new services and improve production processes, making the industrial areas even more competitive and attractive to both national and international investors.
Another step forward for the economy and artisanal excellence of our country, toward an increasingly connected and global future.