Nestled near Messina and off the beaten tourist paths, Savoca is a village listed among the most beautiful in Italy, known worldwide for being used as a set for Francis Ford Coppola’s famous film *The Godfather*. This charming town, steeped in ancient atmosphere, sits atop a rocky hill surrounded by citrus groves, vineyards, and forests that open towards the picturesque Gulf of Taormina. Elderflowers bloom from the cracks in the houses of the historic centre, likely giving the town its name (savucu in the local dialect), and are also depicted in the medieval coat of arms. The entrance to the village is marked by ceramic bas-relief panels created by Salvatore and Giuseppe Zona, which tell the story, art, and local traditions, from Norman knights to work in the silk mill or the grape harvest. These panels, alongside municipal welcome points, offer handcrafted products and tourist information.
Al Pacino and Francis Ford Coppola
The film tour attracts many visitors who wish to relive the scenes where Al Pacino portrayed the young Michael Corleone. The first stop is the 18th-century Palazzo Trimarchi, home to the famous Bar Vitelli, which houses a museum with ancient artifacts and a Byzantine mural of Saint John Chrysostom. In the historic centre, among medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings, the ruins of the Royal Castle of Pentefur and the ancient Norman walls with the City Gate stand out.
At the heart of the village, the old Town Hall and the Archimandrital Palace capture attention. The Church of San Nicolò, where the wedding scenes between Michael and Apollonia were filmed, dominates the rocky outcrop with its imposing presence. A moving visit can be made to the crypt of the Church of the Capuchin Convent, a site of aristocratic mummifications. The convent is also a peaceful destination for those following the Franciscan Paths in Sicily.
Local cuisine
The culinary chapter reflects Messina's influence with traditional dishes such as tagliatelle seasoned with wild fennel and pork ragù, or maccarruna with pork rind in winter and eggplant in summer. Local specialties like *u piscistoccu a’ ghiotta*, *u pani cunzatu*, and *la cuzzola*, a fresh pasta that is fried and roasted, delight the palate. To finish, *granita ca’ zzuccarata*, accompanied by a crunchy local biscuit, is an absolute must-try.