Afflitto, Matteo d’ (Lat. Matthaeus de Afflictis): (b. Naples, 1430 or 1448; d. 1510 or 1524). Lawyer. An author of several legal works, in 1469 he became professor of civil and canon law at the University of Naples. He was an advisor to King Ferdinando I. His principal works are Commentarius in Costitutione Siciliae et Neapolis; Commentarius super tre libros feudorum; Decisiones neapolitanae antiquae et novae; Lecturae super consuetudines Neapolitani Siciliaeque regni; and Lecturae super septem libros codicis Justiniani.
Afflitto, Rodolfo: (b. Roccagloriosa [SA]; fl 19th century). Politician. A member of Garibaldi’s expedition against the Kingdom of Naples (1860-61), he refused to accept an offered ministry in the later government. He served as Prefect of Genoa, and later, Prefect of Naples.
Afragola (NA): A town and commune (Area: 17.99 km². Alt. 43 m) in the province of Napoli. (Area: 17.99 km²; Population: 63,486 (2006e); 62,319 [2001]; 60,065 (1991); 57,367 (1981)). CAP: 80021. Tel. Pref.: 081. Geographical Coordinates: Lat 40°55’37″20 N/Long 14°18’42″12 E. Population Information: 62,319 (2001); 60,065 (1991). % Change in Population from 1991 to 2001: . Population Density (2001): / km². Inhabitants Designation: Afragolesi.
Location & Setting: Located 12 km. NE of Naples in a very fertile area, it is now within the metropolitan area of Naples. Part of Regione Agraria n. 6 – Piano Campano sud-orientale.
Frazioni/Localita: Capo Mazzo, Saggese.
Economy: The economy is based on the cultivation of cereals, fruits and hemp. There is a local industry in the manufacture of straw hats.
History: The center appears to have arisen during the Middle Ages. The earliest historical mention dates to 1131 when it was known as Afraore. Later documents refer to it as Afragone, Afraolla, Fraolla, and Afrangola. By 1272, the present form of the name, Afragola, had come into use. According to some researchers the name derives from fragile (“strawberries”).
King Roger II is traditionally credited with having found the center in 1140. There is documentary evidence, however, that the area was settled and being actively farmed in 1025. Likewise, archaeological evidence reveals local settlement by ancient Oscans and Samnites as early as the 4th and 3rd centuries BC.
The center was fortified as a stronghold sometime in the 12th century. Under the Angevins much of the commune was awarded as a fief to Bernardo Caracciolo, Archbishop of Naples. In 1386 it became the property of the noble Bozzuto family. In 1575, it bought its autonomy with a payment of 27,000 ducati to the Crown. In 1639, however, it was forced to pay a huge ransom to the Viceroy of Naples, duke of Medina, to retain its privileges. Despite this payment, Afragola was dominated by the will of the Spanish Viceroys. It was not until 1809, under the direction of the French administration of the Kingdom, did the center finally free themselves of feudal obligations.
Major earthquakes struck in 1980 and 1984.
Points of Interest: The principal secular monument, a Castello dating from the reign of Queen Joanna I, is now used as an orphanage.
The Palazzo Comunale was completed in 1880 and has an irregular rectangular plan.
The earliest churches are those of Santa Maria d’Ajello, San Giorgio and San Marco in Sylvis.
The Church of Santa Maria d’Ajello dates to 1131 and has undergone several restorations and remodelings. In 1583 two side aisles were added. Among the treasures are some painted tele dating to 1780.