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Before discussing Savoca I will share a story you`ve likely heard before.
Sicily, 1950. A young man with dark skin and American accent decides to hide on this island, initially from legal justice, and secondly from a vendetta from the mafia.
.He does not know Sicily, where his ancestors came from.
After killing a mafia drug dealer in New York City and a law enforcement official with multiple gunshots at very close range in a crowded eating establishment in New York, he has just committed those violent acts.
This young man seeks honor, respect and to avenge the attack that his father has just endured and almost ended his life. His father was called Vito Corleone, and he, without doubt is Michael Corleone.
The preceding passage is one of the most notable incidents of the classic tale in the epic “The Godfather”. Michael escapes to the island of Sicily, where old acquaintances of his family, who was fully slaughtered by the mafia of Corleone, still live. The only one who managed to survive as a child was his father Vito, who fled to New York and constructed his own empire from nothing.
In Sicily Michael finds his deep roots. Custom, a culture that is familiar to him and now he truly discovers. Each and every one of the Sicilian passages in the saga are wonderful, accurately reflecting the Sicilian reality of that time period. And so, when Michael falls in love with a Greek girl and goes to her father to ask for her hand in the “Vitelli Bar” where he works. In this trilogy we are transported back to that era of tradition, family values, and adherence to long-held practices.
Many believe these scenes were filmed in the town of Corleone, also well known for the countless mafia ties connected until nowadays. However, most were shot in the small medieval village called Savoca, in the province of Messina.
How to get to Savoca
Savoca is just 30 minutes from Taormina by automobile, therefore it is a good option to visit this village on a day trip if you are touring Taormina coming from the north. Undoubtedly, exploring Savoca is among the finest activities in Sicily. To arrive at the village situated on the hill you must cross a steep winding roadway. Bit by bit, you ascend with the mountain ahead and the ocean in the background.
If traveling from Messina, take the A18 motorway and exit at Roccalumera, then continue along Furci Siculo and S. Teresa di Riva. Those departing from Catania should also take the A18 and exit at Taormina nord, followed by Letojanni and S. Alessio Siculo until reaching the destination of S. Teresa di Riva.
things you must see in Savoca
Savoca does not require guided tours or maps, simply relax and immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere of this medieval village.
Bar Vitelli
The initial stop on the principal square of Savoca is the famed Vitelli Bar where Michael inquires about the hand of Apollonia, the young greek woman he has fallen for. The bar itself is a museum. It retains the original entrance and even the identical curtains that were there for over 40 years when The Godfather was filmed. It is the most popular location of Savoca.
Inside, visitors can find many photographs and artifacts related to the story, such as the famous Luppara shotguns.
The Vitelli Bar attracts tourists not only because of its connection to local lore but also for its reasonably priced quality wares sold within. Fundamentally a typical village pub, it sees more visitors given its mystique. We highly recommend enjoying their “Granite di pistacchio” alfresco on the outdoor terrace.
Historic Churches in Savoca
Beyond the Vitelli Bar, up the steep main street, you will find the following obligatory stop for all lovers of the saga; The “Church of Saint Nicholas”, where Michael and Apollonia get married, dance and celebrate their wedding.
The rest of the town can be explored in about an hour. In particular, I recommend visiting the “Chiesa di Santa Maria in Cielo Assunta”.
Once there, you can enjoy incredible views with green mountains on one side and the Ionian Sea in the distance.
Other places of worship that you can explore are the Church of Saint John the Baptist and the Church of Saint Michael. All the churches are accessible to the public though a small donation of €2 is requested to enter.
MUSEUMS in SAVOCA
There are two museums worth visiting in Savoca. The first, which has already been mentioned, is the Vitelli Bar museum where two rooms exhibit props employed in filming the Godfather saga. This museum has no admission fee.
The other gallery at the location is the Museo Storico Etnoantropologico di Savoca. Admittance to the site is priced at € 6.
OTHER placeS you must see IN SAVOCA
The best advice to visit Savoca is simply unwind and take your time! By doing so you will discover places not highlighted in the travel guides, like part of the medieval wall where an archway still remains or the old entrance to the city.
Another thing we enjoyed greatly in Savoca was the Piazza Fossia where the Vitelli Bar is located and from where there are magnificent views of the valley.
If you want to partake in other activities in Savoca I suggest taking a walk to the Castello Pentefur where you will also obtain magnificent views worth photographing.
We propose this stop particularly for all fans of the saga and cinema history. If you have not seen the films yet we highly advise doing so before your visit, you will see not only Savoca but all Sicily in a very different light 😉
