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    3 Stunning Filming Locations of The Godfather Movie in Sicily

    By Julia | Updated: Jun 01, 2019 | Published: Jun 01, 2019 | 9 Comments

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    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our affiliate policy.

    Savoca and Forza d'Agrò are the two most famous filming locations of The Godfather movies in Sicily.  These small medieval villages were featured in some of the most iconic scenes in the movie, such as Michael Corleone's first meeting with Apollonia's father, and the wedding.  Read on to discover more about these famous filming locations!

    Church of St. Nicolo in Savoca, Sicily

     

    Even though The Godfather movie is set in Corleone, a town in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, the filming actually took place in other locations. The town of Corleone looked too modern, so Francis Ford Coppola chose other small Sicilian villages that were still untouched by modernization.  The Godfather's Sicily locations included the villages of Savoca and Forza d'Agro.

    Francis Ford Coppola sculpture by artist Nino Ucchino in Savoca, Sicily

    3 Stunning Filming Locations of The Godfather Movie in Sicily

    1. Bar Vitelli in Savoca

    Bar Vitelli was the filming location of several scenes from the first Godfather movie by Francis Ford Coppola.  Michael Corleone fled New York City after starting a mafia war between Italian mob families there. He arrives in Sicily to take refuge.  He falls in love with a Sicilian woman, Apollonia Vitelli.  The Bar Vitelli is where Michael Corleone ( Al Pacino) meets the cafe owner, the father of his future wife Apollonia.    Bar Vitelli is also the place where Michael Corleone asks Apollonia's father for his permission to marry his daughter.

    Bar Vitelli, Savoca, Sicily

    Bar Vitelli is housed in an 18th century Palazzo Trimarchi, located in the Piazza Fossia, the town's main square. The bar features an outdoor vine-covered terrace from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the areas surrounding Savoca.  Bar Vitelli's physical address is Piazza Fossia, 7, 98038 Savoca ME, Italy.

    2. Church of San Nicolò in Savoca

    It's in the Church of San Nicolò in Savoca that Michael Corleone got married to his Sicilian wife, Apollonia. In the movie, Michael Corleone and his new wife are seen walking from the church to the cheers of the guests at the wedding.  This church is clearly visible in the background of the scene.

    The church is perched on a panoramic spot, high above, overlooking the Ionian Sea.   There are breathtaking views of Sicily all around. The church is located just a short walking distance from the equally famous Bar Vitelli which was the setting of other important scenes in Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather movie.

    The Church of San Nicolò's physical address: Via S. Nicolò, 4, 98038 Savoca ME, Italy.

    Church of St. Nicolo in Savoca, Sicily

    3. The church of the Santissima Annunziata (Mother church) in Forza d'Agrò

    The church of the Santissima Annunziata is the mother church (Chiesa Madre) of Forza d'Agrò. The church was originally built in the 15th century and was reconstructed at the beginning of the 18th century.  The church was built in the Baroque style.

    This church was used as a filming location for scenes in The Godfather movies.

    Picture Opportunities

    Both Savoca and Forza d'Agrò provide excellent picture opportunities.  Both villages are very pretty, perched on high hills, overlooking the surrounding areas.   You will find beautiful churches and medieval structures in both towns - a perfect setting to get some great pictures of Sicily!

    Church of St. Nicolo in Savoca, Sicily

    The Church of San Nicolo in Savoca, Sicily

    The Church of San Nicolo in Savoca, Sicily

    « 8 Best Things To Do in Forza d'Agro, Sicily
    10 Best Places To Visit in Sicily »
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    1. Marilyn Holland

      December 13, 2020 at 5:57 pm

      My Son is getting married in Taormina, about 30 minutes away from Bar Vitelli. We are all there for a week so olenty of time for visiting. I can’t wait.

      Reply
      • Julia

        December 21, 2020 at 10:48 pm

        You will enjoy this area so much! I have actually stayed in the town of Castelmola that's located right above Taormina. If you are in Taormina, be sure to visit Castelmola. I wrote an article about it:

        What to See in Castelmola - a Hilltop Town above Taormina, Sicily

        Reply
        • Nancy Persojio

          July 03, 2022 at 1:01 pm

          Excellent tips! Thank you for share, love your blog!

          Reply
          • Julia

            August 22, 2022 at 7:19 pm

            Nancy, thank you for your kind words! I am glad you find my blog helpful!

            Reply
        • Brian McMahon

          June 29, 2023 at 9:34 am

          Hi, is it possible to visit these locations from Palermo using public transport?
          Thanks

          Reply
      • Nancy

        July 03, 2022 at 12:59 pm

        We just came back from there, and it’s beautiful town, go to Naxos Giardini, if you have a chance, another gorgeous town!

        Reply
        • Julia

          August 22, 2022 at 7:20 pm

          Sicily is so beautiful! I am going back to Italy in a week - can't wait!

          Reply
    2. EVELYN BLAKE

      June 18, 2020 at 11:08 am

      Absolutely this is one of the most beautiful places I’ve had the privilege of visiting,,
      It helps if you have access to a car though as it’s off the beaten track

      Reply
    3. Tea

      November 12, 2019 at 10:38 pm

      Hi Julia, I’m so glad I stumbled upon this post. I’m traveling to Rome in March and would love to visit The Godfather film sights like you did. Am I on the right track if I plan of flying from Rome to Palermo. I still have lots of time to research, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask you since you have visited the area. Thanks ahead of time, Theresa

      Reply

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    Julia is the author of JuliasAlbum.com (a food blog focused on easy dinner recipes, pasta dishes, salads made with seasonal ingredients). In this photo, Julia is pictured wearing a yellow sweater against an Autumn background.

    Hi, I'm Julia!

    I am a full-time food blogger living in beautiful Colorado. I focus primarily on savory recipes (protein-based & fiber-rich main dishes, pasta, salads) using fresh & seasonal ingredients. A food blogger since 2012, I help home cooks create well-balanced and visually appealing dinners (many of which are 30-minute ONE-PAN meals). Find out more about me and my cooking philosophy. 

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