The Godfather saga is a major part of film history. The movies directed by Francis Ford Coppola are an adaptation of a Mario Puzo novel written in 1969, also titled “The Godfather.” In this article, I’ll give you an overview of the main filming locations so you can visit them when you’re in Sicily.
Ciao! It’s Nico here, your 100% full-blooded Sicilian friend. Come stai?
You want to talk about a real classic? The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola in 1972, is one for the ages. The story of a Mafia family in New York City has everyone captivated, even now. And the Oscars it won? Tre colpi! Three hits!
But the Godfather is not just a movie, oh no. It’s made a lasting impression on Italian culture, especially in my beloved Sicily. Many of the most memorable scenes were shot on the island and it’s brought some well-deserved attention to the region.
In this article, we’re gonna take a tour of the Sicilian filming locations of “The Godfather.” And let me tell ya, it’s an offer you can’t refuse!
Nico’s Take:
The Godfather is one of those movies that has seriously obsessed generations of Sicilians. My dad has seen it so many times! And you wouldn’t believe how many foreigners come to Sicily just because they saw The Godfather.
Overview of the Sicilian Shooting Locations
Alright, let’s get started. The main Sicilian filming locations for The Godfather are as follows:
- The first location chosen for the Godfather was the medieval village of Savoca. Located in Eastern Sicily, Savoca is a picturesque village with a unique history. The village was once a stronghold of the Mafia, and it is the site of the famous Corleone wedding.
- The second location chosen for the Godfather was the village of Forza D’Agro. Located in the heart of Sicily, Forza D’Agro is a small, picturesque village that has been featured in several films. It is the site of the famous horse head scene, as well as other iconic scenes from the Godfather.
- The third location chosen for the Godfather was the town of Motta Camastra. Located in the foothills of Mount Etna, Motta Camastra is a small town with a unique history. It is the site of the famous Don Corleone funeral scene.
- The fourth location chosen for the Godfather was the Castle of the Slaves. Located in Western Sicily, the castle is an imposing structure that has been featured in several films. It is the site of the famous scene where Don Corleone refuses to sell his olive oil.
- The fifth location chosen for the Godfather was the Massimo theater in Palermo. Located in the city center, the theater is a beautiful structure that has been featured in several films. It is the site of the famous assassination scene. Villa Malfitano would be another location for celebration scenes for the saga. Palermo would have two influential scenes from the film shot here as well for Godfather III.
Wondering why Corleone isn’t on the list?
The village of Corleone was supposed to be the star of the show in “The Godfather.” But alas, it was too ahead of its time and couldn’t keep up with the film’s 1940s setting.
The filmmakers had to take their talents elsewhere, but lucky for them, they found several other locations in Sicily that fit the bill.
From the medieval villages of Savoca and Forza D’Agro, to the charming town of Motta Camastra, and even the mysterious Castle of the Slaves, these Sicilian locations of “The Godfather” ended up stealing the show.
Savoca and Forza D’Agro – The Medieval Villages
The two medieval villages of Savoca and Forza D’Agro are some of the most iconic locations in the Godfather.
Located in Eastern and central Sicily, respectively, the two villages offer a unique glimpse into the past. Both villages have been featured in several films, and they are the sites of some of the most iconic scenes in the Godfather.
Savoca is the site of the famous Corleone wedding scene. The village’s narrow cobblestoned streets and ancient buildings provide the perfect backdrop for the scene.
The village’s famous Bar Vitelli is also the setting for an important conversation between Don Corleone and his son, Michael.
Forza D’Agro is the site of the famous horse head scene. The village’s winding streets and ancient buildings provide the perfect backdrop for the scene. The village is also home to several other iconic scenes, including the infamous meeting between Don Corleone and Sollozzo.
Motta Camastra
Motta Camastra is nestled at the foot of Mount Etna and it’s where they filmed Don Corleone’s funeral scene. The town’s narrow cobblestoned roads and old-school buildings make it the perfect backdrop.
Motta Camastra is also the home of other iconic scenes, like the famous meeting between Don Corleone and Clemenza. The town’s picturesque streets and buildings make the perfect setting for the scene, and it’s also a stunning backdrop for the famous “leave the gun, take the cannoli” exchange.
Massimo theater and Villa Malfitano in Palermo
The Massimo Theater in Palermo is one of the most iconic locations in the Godfather. Located in the heart of the city, this beautiful theater provides the perfect setting for the famous assassination scene.
The stunning architecture and elegant interiors of the theater set the stage for the intense and dramatic moment. The Massimo Theater is not only a beautiful piece of architecture, but it’s also a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Palermo.
The theater’s rich history and stunning design make it an ideal location for filming, and it’s no surprise that it was chosen as the site of one of the most memorable moments in the Godfather.
Let’s talk about Villa Malfitano in Palermo. This gorgeous place was another shooting location for The Godfather and it definitely adds to the film’s beauty. The villa is located in the heart of the city and it’s surrounded by lush gardens and stunning architecture.
It’s the perfect setting for a movie about the Mafia, and the filmmakers definitely made the right choice by filming there.
Some of the most memorable scenes in the film were shot at Villa Malfitano, including the famous conversation between Michael Corleone and Carlo Rizzi. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of the movie.
Nico’s Take:
In addition to these locations, the Godfather was also filmed in several other locations in Sicily. These locations include the towns of Giardini-Naxos, Taormina, and Trapani. The Godfather was also filmed in Rome, Naples, and New York City.
Conclusion
The Godfather is a classic film that’s captivated audiences for years with its tale of an Italian-American crime family. It’s also left a big mark on Italian culture, especially in Sicily. A ton of the film’s scenes were shot there, and it’s been a huge boost for tourism.
In this article, we checked out the Sicilian shooting locations from the Godfather and how they’ve influenced the island. From the medieval villages of Savoca and Forza D’Agro to the Castle of the Slaves and the Massimo theater in Palermo, the Godfather’s Sicilian spots have become some of the most iconic in movie history.
That’s it, folks! If you’ve got any questions, leave a comment below and join our Facebook group. You’ll find tons of other foreigners who are either coming to, or already living in, the amazing city of Palermo.
A Presto,
Nico Barcellona
