Last updated on November 14th, 2024.
Alongside its history, striking architecture and incredible food culture, there’s a darker side that Sicily is also known for: the Mafia.
A criminal organization that has been around since the late 19th century, the mafia has always been a controversial topic.
And, when discussing the mafia in popular culture, there’s no reference more famous than The Godfather trilogy.
The series has amassed a cult following since the first movie was released in 1972. Consistently drawing in new fans, popularity surrounding the classic movie trilogy has only continued to grow.
Which is why in this post, I’ll be guiding you to The Godfather movie locations in Sicily.
One of the best free things to do in Sicily I’ll show you where The Godfather was filmed in Sicily. I’ll also show you how to organize your own Godfather tour.
A fun addition to your Italy bucket list, bookmark this post for later.
We return to our home in Sicily every summer, and it’s close to many of the locations in this post.
Included is also a helpful map that will help you plan your visit. For more general travel advice on planning a trip to Italy, my Sicily travel tips are worth a read.
The Godfather movie locations in Sicily
The Godfather basics
The movie trilogy is based on the book by American author Mario Puzo. His bestselling novel was published in 1969 followed 3 years later by the first movie.
The Godfather tells the story of a fictional Mafia family headed by Don Vito Corleone. Part I focuses on the years 1945 to 1955, with the youngest son, Michael, eventually taking over his father’s role.
Part II is both a prequel and sequel to the first movie, taking place in the late 1950s. The prequel takes place in early 20th century Sicily. Part II retells the tale of Vito Corleone’s childhood and how he came to be head of the family.
The last in the trilogy, The Godfather Part III begins in 1979. Michael Corleone has mostly succeeded in legitimizing the family’s business interests and a new successor is on the scene. The movie ends with Michael sitting alone in his estate, in the town of Corleone in Sicily.
A topic not discussed
During the many years I’ve visited Sicily, the subject of the Mafia is something rarely spoken about. It’s not something that’s taboo, but people are aware they exist and say nothing more.
The most discussed reference to the Mafia are the anniversaries of Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino. Both judges were assassinated by the Mafia in 1992 due to their efforts to overthrow the organization.
Cosa Nostra (as the Mafia is known by) is very much active today. Around Sicily, there are many areas in which Mafia families are known to operate. Some of these include:
- Trapani (west)
- Mazara del Vallo (west)
- Gela (south)
- Santa Elisabetta (south)
- Catania (east)
- Calatabiano (east)
- Castelbuono (north)
- Corleone (north)
As a visitor, it’s safe to travel around these areas in Sicily. We visited Mazara del Vallo on our Sicily road trip and really enjoyed our time here.
But, if you want to learn more about the Mafia, and in a group setting, consider booking a guided tour. Some of my favorites include:
- The Godfather Private Tour (pickup from Taormina, Messina or Catania)
- The Godfather Tour from Taormina
- Mafia guided tour with Sicilian lunch (pickup from Taormina, Giardini Naxos or Letojanni)
- Mafia guided tour of Corleone
Map: The Godfather movie locations in Sicily
Savoca, Messina
I never miss the chance to visit Savoca. Just 10 minutes’ drive from our home in north-east Sicily, there’s plenty of things to do in Savoca to fill up a day trip.
I go into greater detail as to what a borgo is in the following posts:
- 1 day in Asolo
- Discovering Orta San Giulio
- Visiting Arquà Petrarca
- Exploring Montemerano
Sicily is home to several borghi including Savoca, Castelmola and Palazzolo Acreide. Each unique in their own way, they also hold the title of ‘the most beautiful borghi in Italy’.
More than a movie set
While the movie is supposed to be set in Corleone, many of the scenes were filmed elsewhere in Sicily. One of these locations is Savoca.
Corleone is a real town in Sicily, located in the province of Palermo. Why they didn’t film here, I honestly don’t know.
Fun fact: scenes from The Godfather are also referenced in The White Lotus TV show that was also filmed in Sicily.
The right choice
Dating to the 12th century, it’s clear to see why director Francis Ford Coppola chose Savoca. A series of winding roads take you up towards the medieval town, the view becoming more spectacular around every bend.
The moment you enter the small main square of Piazza Fossia, there’s an immediate sign of the movie’s presence.
A metal statue of Francis Ford Coppola pointing his camera is a fitting tribute to the movie. Because, just opposite is Bar Vitelli, one of The Godfather movie locations in Sicily that Coppola named himself.
Where Michael meets Signor Vitelli
A rustic bar with a retro entryway paves the way to Bar Vitelli. The location serves several scenes in the Godfather Part I. They are:
- When Michael and his men are sitting outside at Bar Vitelli speaking to the owner about his daughter, Apollonia. After pacifying an angry Signor Vitelli, Michael proposes the idea of marriage to Apollonia.
- A family lunch with Signor Vitelli, Apollonia and Michael
- The wedding celebration (after the church) in the town’s piazza
Inside Bar Vitelli is an area whose walls are adorned with Godfather memorabilia. While here, be sure to try the famous granita al limone, accompanied by a sip of Zibibbo wine.
Bar Vitelli may be most renowned for its movie association but the location is so much more. The building was once part of Palazzo Trimarchi, a palace dating to the 1400s.
Today, alongside the bar, it also houses a beautiful boutique hotel called Vitelli Charming Suites. In true boutique hotel style, it offers just 5 suites and the chance to stay somewhere iconic in Sicily.
Bar Vitelli/Vitelli Charming Suites, Piazza Fossia, 7, Savoca
The wedding of Michael and Apollonia
A traditional Sicilian wedding requires a historic church, and that’s what Coppola found in Savoca.
The 13th century Chiesa di San Nicolò was where they filmed the wedding of Michael and Apollonia.
Its early architecture followed a Norman Sicilian style but this changed over time. Personally, I prefer the Chiesa Santa Lucia or the Chiesa di San Michele, both just a short walk away.
The former’s the namesake church of the Patron Saint of Savoca, and is of great importance in the town. Every year on the second Sunday in August, visitors arrive to see the Festa di Santa Lucia. A full day of festivities, re-enactments and music, it’s authentic, memorable and a festival completely unique to Savoca.
Chiesa di Santa Lucia (St Lucy’s Church), Via S. Nicolò, 1
Chiesa di San Michele (St Michael’s Church), Via S. Michele
While in Savoca…
Make the most out of your visit to Savoca, by adding the following sights to your list:
- Castello di Pentefur (Pentefur Castle fortress), Via Chiesa Madre, 5
- Convento dei Cappuccini (Cappuccini Convent), Via Cappuccini
- Chiesa Madre di Savoca (‘Mother’s Church’ 12th century church), Via Chiesa Madre, 5
- Porta della Città di Savoca (City gate of Savoca), Via S. Michele
Where to stay in Savoca
Should you choose to spend a night or 2 in Savoca, consider checking into Resort Borgo San Rocco.
A stunning hotel that blends in perfectly with Savoca’s medieval origins, it’s really one of a kind. What’s more, guests are invited to dine outdoors, where your meal will be accompanied by a perfect Sicilian skyline.
Resort Borgo San Rocco, Via S. Rocco
Watch: The Godfather film locations in Sicily
Forza d’Agrò, Messina
Alongside Savoca, I’ve visited Forza d’Agrò at least a dozen times.
The small hilltop borgo blends a mix of old and renovated houses, and the potential here is immense. Uneven stone paths, medieval buildings and historic churches are what you’ll find here.
And, when speaking about The Godfather movie locations in Sicily, Forza d’Agrò is a name synonymous with the cult classic.
The Godfather filming locations in Forza d’Agrò
The borgo was again used to film a few scenes in the town of ‘Corleone’. These include:
- When Michael and his men are walking through the streets of Corleone. The street they’re passing through is Via Roma in Forza d’Agrò. When they stop and pause, you can spot the Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata in the background.
- Dating to the 15th century, its exterior reflects a classic Sicilian Baroque architectural style.
The church makes another appearance in Part III. Kay and Michael are walking through the town when they see a wedding taking place. - On Via Roma is the ‘Casa de Il Padrino.’ Michael tells Kay that the house is where his father was born (Part III). In reality, the home’s privately owned so there’s no chance of entering. You’re in the right place once you see a tile next to the door with a print of the scene from the movie.
- Via Belvedere: the main road surrounding Forza d’Agrò was used to film the car scenes.
Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata, Via SS Annunziata, 8
Casa de Il Padrino, Vico I Roma, 5
Taormina, Messina
The beautiful town of Taormina (read things to know about Taormina) features in Parts II and III, but for not the areas you might expect.
Instead, it features Taormina train station (platform), which so happens to be my favorite on this side of Sicily. Like above, the following scenes are supposed to take place in Bagheria, a real commune located east of Palermo.
- Don Corleone (younger) returns to Sicily to visit his family (Part II)
- Michael and Kay waiting at the train station (Part III)
Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, Catania
In the commune of Fiumefreddo di Sicilia in north-east Sicily is the Castello degli Schiavi. The villa features a few times in The Godfather Part I. We first see it as the entrance to Signor Vitelli’s home, which later becomes Michael and Apollonia’s villa.
The estate is again featured in Part II and III. In Part II, the family are dining together along with (a younger) Don Corleone’s extended family. In the final movie, the home provides the backdrop of the meeting Michael holds with several politicians.
Castello degli Schiavi today
Today, the Castello degli Schiavi is hired out for private events and functions. Sources online say that you can book an appointment through your hotel concierge to visit. However, I’m not sure this information is up to date, so check before visiting.
Castello degli Schiavi (Castle of the Slaves), Via Badalà, Fiumefreddo di Sicilia
Motta Camastra, Messina
Another of The Godfather movie locations in Sicily is Motta Camastra, situated in the province of Messina.
The scene sees Michael and his men approaching ‘Corleone’, with one of his men pointing out their destination.
Palermo
A fitting cameo in The Godfather trilogy, the grand Teatro Massimo in Palermo features in Part III. The family are in attendance to watch Michael’s son, Anthony, perform Cavelleria Rusticana.
The film’s dramatic finale takes place on the theater’s grand staircase, where daughter Mary is shot and killed.
Teatro Massimo, Piazza Verdi, Palermo
Acireale, Catania
Castello Scammacca dei baroni Pennisi di Floristella features in Part III. Dating to the end of the 18th century, it once belonged to the noble Pennisi di Floristella family.
Piazza Agostino Pennisi, 11, Acireale
Segesta, Trapani
The Tempio di Segesta makes a cameo appearance in The Godfather Part II. You see a shot of the Ancient Greek temple in the background as Don Corleone is driving with his men.
Tempio di Segesta (Segesta Temple), Contrada Barbaro
Slopes of Mount Etna, Catania
The (unnamed) villa of Don Ciccio (Part II) is located on the slopes of Mount Etna. Its exact location is unknown, but the house is still present, but it appears empty.
What are your thoughts on The Godfather movie locations in Sicily? Did you discover something new about the movie, or would you like to create your own Godfather tour? Let me know in the comments below.
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ABOUT me
Welcome to my site. I'm Lisa, an Italy-based travel and lifestyle blogger behind Following the Rivera. Find out more about me and my story.
Where was The Godfather filmed in Sicily?
1. Savoca
2. Forza d’Agrò
3. Taorminae
4. Fiumefreddo di Sicilia
5. Motta Camastra
6. Palermo
7. Acireale
8. Segesta
9. Slopes of Mount Etna
Is there a real town of Corleone in Sicily?
The town of Corleone is real and is located in the Province of Palermo. It is around 1 hour 15 minutes’ drive from the capital.
Where is the Castello degli Schiavi in Sicily located?
The Castello degli Schiavi in The Godfather movies is located in Fiumefreddo di Sicilia in north-east Sicily.
Wow, I had no idea there were so many Godfather movie locations in Sicily! As a fan of both the film and Italy, I’m definitely adding these places to my bucket list. It’s amazing to think that I can walk in the footsteps of such iconic characters as Don Vito Corleone and Michael Campbell. Thank you for sharing these hidden gems with us!
You definitely can here! It’s a really fun way to see different parts of Sicily too
On our first visit to Sicily we actually did a Godfather tour. I actually have a photo of that Francis Ford Coppola statue. Before we leave this time, we are re-watching the Godfather movies. And with this post will identify some places we need to visit. I was interested to see Trapani on the list of places where the Mafia are still operating since we will have several days there. Good to be reminded that many of the scenes were actually shot outside of Corleone. This will be a post we keep handy as we head to Sicily soon.
Thanks Linda. Trapania has some pretty spots and while the mafia are still around they’re very much hidden. I know you will enjoy your time here!
The Taormina/Giardini station featured in Godfather 3 is NOT the same as the one in GF2 – which is the Stazione Sparagogna (discontinued) at Catenanouvo.
Thank you for letting me know, I will look into that.