Savoca — The village where The Godfather became a legend

Savoca is one of the most authentic Sicilian villages, which has preserved the atmosphere of old times. Narrow stone streets, quiet terraces overlooking the valley, and houses that seem to have stopped in time — this is the environment that filmmakers chose for the most important Sicilian scenes of The Godfather.

Right at the entrance to the village stands the iconic Bar Vitelli, the place where Michael Corleone proposed to Apollonia. The terrace with a stone portico looks almost the same as in the film, and inside you will find photos and memories of the filming. A few minutes away is the church of San Nicolò, where Michael's wedding took place, the road to the church leads up narrow steps that every fan of the film knows.

Savoca is not just a film location. It is a village with a soul, where the scent of lemon trees, the silence of the Sicilian hills, and the stories left by filmmakers and locals mingle. A place where you feel that the world of The Godfather still lives between the stone walls.

Church of San Nicolò – the place of Michael and Apollonia's wedding

Where: upper part of Savoca, above the main street, accessible by stairs

In the film: The Godfather I

Scene: wedding of Michael Corleone and Apollonia

Description: The church stands on an elevated place with a beautiful view of the valley. It was here that one of the most famous scenes of the entire film took place — a traditional Sicilian wedding, which symbolizes Michael's acceptance of local life.

Interesting fact: the path to the church leads up the same steps that the film wedding procession took.

Small square in front of the church – place of the wedding procession

Where: directly opposite Bar Vitelli, small square Piazza Fossia

In the film: The Godfather I

Scene: part of the wedding procession and meeting of local residents

Description: This small square is one of the most photogenic places in Savoca. Filmmakers used it as a space where part of the wedding scenes take place — music, dance, traditional Sicilian atmosphere.

Interesting fact: the square is almost unchanged to this day, so you will immediately recognize the film angles.

Bar Vitelli – a crucial place in Michael's story

Where: Piazza Fossia 7, right at the entrance to the historical center

In the film: The Godfather I

Scene: Michael asks Apollonia's father for her hand in marriage

Description: The bar with the iconic stone portico is one of the most famous film locations in the world. Inside you will find photos from the filming and original decorations.

Interesting fact: the terrace looks almost identical to the film — nothing significant has changed here.

Capuchin catacombs – 300-year-old mummies

Where: Capuchin monastery in the lower part of Savoca (approx. 10 minutes walk from the center)

In the film: they do not appear in the film, but they are one of the most interesting places in Savoca

Description: In the catacombs you will find dozens of mummified bodies up to 300 years old, dressed in their original clothes. It is a fascinating and slightly chilling insight into Sicilian history.

Interesting fact: the bodies are displayed standing and lying down, according to the social status of the deceased.