“I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” -Don Vito Corleone - The Godfather
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For many people, their favorite part of the movie ‘The Godfather’ is when Michael Corleone flees New York City to the family village in Sicily for killing his father’s (the ‘Don’ Vito Corleone) assassin. Much of The Godfather was filmed in the sleepy town of Savoca, and fame has only made it more charming. I promise you’ll love it. It is the breathtakingly beautiful and authentic place Michael falls in love with Apollonia and marries her in the Church that you are visiting.
“Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.” – The Godfather
Well my close friend is Billy, and we grabbed Stan to head up the hill and see the village we had heard about. It’s a winding road up to the town from highway E45. It’s not far, only 2.5 miles, and when you look back there’s a beautiful view of the sea, The day we were there it was a bit hazy but still gorgeous. Off in the distance you can see the church Chiesa di San Nicolo where we will explore.
“Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.” - The Godfather
After a stroll through town, we headed up the narrow street to the church. Every day is judgment day in the Catholic Church, but we didn’t need confession. The church was originally built during the 13th century and for a time was the Byzantine Rite, which meant that it was the head of the Byzantine Catholic church.
It’s fun to stand in the doorway where the marriage scene from The Godfather took place. Inside the church you’ll see memorabilia from the movie and history of the church itself. Leave an offering, say a prayer and a give thanks for a beautiful visit.
“Never let anyone know what you are thinking.” – The Godfather
Obviously many people over the years have let people know what they are thinking because inside the church is an explanation of the hooded men doing the Good Friday procession. They are a brotherhood of faithful followers that wear a hood so that they are all equal that they are not recognized for being a nobleman or a peasant. During the Easter procession they carry the lady of sorrows and jesus’s statue while singing funeral melodies. Obviously they are not the KKK because if any group like that caused disrepect to the church or father you know the ‘Don’ would have taken care of them personally!
“A friend should always underestimate your virtues and an enemy overestimate your faults” -The Godfather
We walked up to the Convent and Cappuccini Crypts but it was too late in the day, so we headed back down the hill. We couldn’t leave our thirsty exploring without heading into Bar Vitelli that was earlier filled with tourists but was now a bit quieter. There’s a beautiful vine covered patio, but in the bar is where we finished our day. Inside the bar is more memorabilia and tributes to The Godfather. One for the road was espresso!
"Revenge is a dish that tastes best when it is cold." - The Godfather
The only thing better served cold is a beer, and that’s what we were looking for. Time for lunch! We strolled for a bit and looked up to see a patio overlooking the gorge to the sea. It was La Pineta Pizzeria and Restaurant, so we found a table and took a short break after our drive to have a cold beer and a snack. Sprinkled throughout the town are artifacts like these giant grinding wheels for crushing olives and grapes.
The Nitty Gritty ~
Chiesa di San Nicolo– The Church of Michael Corleone’s wedding to Appolonia. A walk or Piaggio Ape cart ride!
Convento dei Cappuccini Crypts– Convent and Crypts
Savoca is a small village is only 2.5 miles up the hill from the coastal town of Santa Teresa de Riva of Highway E45 between Toarmina and Messina.
Driving seems to be the only way to visit the town, there is no bus service or train station in the area.
Bar Vitelli of course! It on the patio or head inside and enjoy the moment.
La Pineta di Garufi Vincenza– Great patio for drinks and eats
Ristorante Pizzeria del Parco Dal 2021 drinks and food with a patio.
Updated 2022:
Ristorante La Pineta di Garufi Vincenza – Delicious food and drinks, nice patio and restorante
Il Sambuco Pane Condito Panini shop
Ristorante Pizzeria del Parco dal 2021 restaurant and patio
Osteria del Borgo – delicious authentic cuisine
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