‘The Godfather’: A Mafia Story
Fifty-two years ago, ‘The Godfather‘ changed the history of cinema forever. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film not only revitalised gangster movies but also heralded a new era in Hollywood.
The 1970s New Hollywood embraced young directors like Coppola, who had never directed a film of this scale before. The adaptation of one of the most popular novels of its time ended up in the hands of the book’s author, Mario Puzo, and the young Coppola.
Despite numerous complications during production, the film was an overwhelming success!
It elevated Coppola to one of the most important directors of the time and it made possible that he continued the story with an even more ambitious and critically acclaimed sequel: ‘The Godfather Part II‘.
It is impossible not to be captivated by the story of the Corleone family. And much of this is due to the realism that both Puzo and Coppola, as sons of Italians, had lived through, as well as, of course, to their powerful locations and art direction.
‘The Godfather’ Like Never Before!
If you love what is undoubtedly the best film about the Italian-American Mafia, you are lucky because we are taking you on an unforgettable journey where you will relive the most iconic moments of the Corleone family in the very places where they were filmed.
1. First Stop: New York – The Corleone Family’s Home Base.
New York City served as the perfect backdrop for the Corleone family’s story. Exploring it feels like stepping directly into the world of ‘The Godfather‘. Imagine walking through the streets of Queens, East Harlem, and the famous Mott Street, home to the family’s olive oil business. Every corner of the city holds a piece of the saga’s history.
Don’t miss Sixth Avenue, where Michael and Kay went Christmas shopping in the opening sequence of the first film (‘The Godfather‘, 1972). It’s a pivotal moment in the trilogy!
The wedding of Connie Corleone, which opens the film, was shot in a Staten Island neighbourhood, featuring nearly 750 locals as extras. The house used in the scene fell into disrepair but it has since been restored and it is now available for rent.
Over 120 different locations were used!
If you’ve always wanted to walk through the same alleys as some of New York’s most famous gangsters, but without the risk of things going wrong, this tour is perfect for you!
2. Second stop: Sicily! Where everything makes sense: the family roots.
In search of the realism Coppola desired, they decided there was no better place to set Sicily than Sicily itself.
This meant adding more days of filming and increasing the budget, but Coppola pulled it off! Although he couldn’t shoot in Corleone, the town that gives its name to the lead family, due to (who would have thought it!) pressures from the local mafia, But you can visit it! Visit Corleone.
Instead, the team settled in Savoca, a beautiful town in the province of Messina, on the eastern coast of Sicily, that somehow seems frozen in time.
Savoca: Bar Vitelli, the meeting with Apollonia.
Savoca is located over 300 meters above sea level, in the mountains, but the journey is completely worth it.
You can’t miss the picturesque Bar Vitelli in Savoca, Sicily. This is where Michael Corleone meets Apollonia, who will change his life forever. The bar remains a charming spot, perfect for having a coffee while reliving the most romantic scene of the saga.
Both in its sequel and the third part, Coppola’s filming team returned to Sicily and filmed scenes in Savoca, recalling moments from the first film.
We recommend taking the opportunity to visit the Church of San Nicolò, where Michael and Apollonia’s wedding took place. A true architectural gem!
The Schiavi Castle in Fiumefreddo: The Corleone Residence in Sicily.
Another must-see destination is Castello degli Schiavi, a magnificent 17th-century Baroque castle, a few kilometers away from Taormina. This castle served as Michael Corleone’s residence during his stay in Sicily and the setting for one of the most emotional scenes of the saga: the death of Don Vito Corleone.
If you’re near Taormina, don’t hesitate to visit this place filled with history and cinematic magic.
The Full Experience of a Sicilian ‘The Godfather’ Locations Tour.
During this tour, you can visit Castello degli Schiavi and other iconic spots where the most impactful scenes of the movie were filmed, like the Teatro Massimo in Palermo, where the death of Michael’s daughter takes place at the end of the third movie.
The Teatro Massimo in Palermo, inaugurated in 1897, is Italy’s largest Opera House and the third in Europe, after the Paris Opera and the Vienna Opera. From its terrace, you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.
Also, we recommend adding Taormina to your itinerary. Taormina is known as the Italian Saint-Tropez, as it was a favourite vacation spot for stars like Cary Grant, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn!
3. Third stop: From New York to the Dominican Republic, following the footsteps of ‘The Godfather Part 2‘.
The second movie in the saga took us to exotic places like Havana. Although the Havana scenes weren’t filmed in Cuba, the Palacio Nacional in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, perfectly recreated the Cuban atmosphere. During your trip, you’ll discover the colonial streets of the area and the beauty of the local architecture.
Don’t miss a visit to the Palacio Nacional, where the New Year’s Eve party scenes, filmed in the Presidential Palace of Havana, were actually shot in “the Salon de Las Cariátides” of this Dominican Palace!
4. Fourth stop: Paramount Studios in Hollywood!
If you want a truly cinephile experience, a visit to Paramount Studios in Hollywood is a must.
Many of the interior scenes of the saga were filmed here, and the studio tours will allow you to explore the original sets and the decorations that brought the Corleones and their world to life.
This guided tour will take you through famous film locations, including Vito Corleone’s office. It’s like being inside the movie!
5. Last stop, Lake Tahoe: The End of ‘The Godfather Part 2‘.
If you’re feeling nostalgic, Lake Tahoe is your destination!
The old stone boathouses of the Fleur du Lac state were used as the backdrop for some of the most memorable scenes in ‘The Godfather 2′: Michael Corleone’s son’s communion party and where he reflects on the death of his brother Fredo.
Fleur du Lac Estates is a private estate located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe in Tahoe Pines. The original house was built in 1935 by industrialist Henry Kaiser and constructed in just 30 days with the help of 300 workers.
The lake is a perfect place to enjoy a day of relaxation amidst nature, do you want to take in the breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, just like Michael did during his solitary reflection? This tour is perfect for you!
If you’re looking for a more aquatic adventure… we recommend this private speedboat cruise on the lake, taking you straight to ‘The Godfather‘ estate!
It’s time to start your own journey through the world of ‘The Godfather‘!
If you want more information about filming locations of your favourite movie series and plan your own movie-style trip, we’re waiting for you at screenbie.com!
