The Godfather trilogy, based on the novel of the same name by Mario Puzo, tells the story of a Mafia family from Corleone that emigrated to New York at the beginning of the twentieth century.

The saga became a cinematic masterpiece, and the Mafia anti-heroes (played magnificently by Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and Robert de Niro) with their sense of resolve, honor and deep-rooted spirit of belonging to the family, became highly charismatic, attractive characters for the film audience. The director Francis Ford Coppola placed the characters in environments which faithfully reproduced the most deeply entrenched traditions of Sicily.

This excursion takes us to some small villages in the Peloritani mountains, where time seems to stand still. A visit to Forza d’Agrò and Savoca allows access to an older time in the countryside of a more hidden Sicily.

A picturesque road takes you inland to scenic Savoca, nestled between the hills. The bar Vitelli features a collection of local artisans’ tools and photographs taken when Coppola was filming here.

Forza d’Agrò is situated below the ruins of a fortress and high above the sea. You can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the countryside southward towards Taormina and Mount Etna, and northward to the mainland. Al Pacino and Sophia Coppola came here to film some scenes for The Godfather III.