Sicily: Visiting the setting of famous paintings

Many masterpieces related to Sicily

Sicily has flourished as a key transportation hub since ancient times, and various cultures have flourished throughout the ages, including ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, Islam, and the Normans. It is sometimes called the "crossroads of civilizations." This region, which has a particularly strong personality in Italy, is also known for being the setting for many classic films. For example, "The Leopard," directed by Luchino Visconti and released in 1963, is a masterpiece that depicts the glamorous life and downfall of Italian aristocrats set on the island. "The Godfather," released in 1972, and the series that followed it, are also among the films that made the world aware of Sicily. In addition, "Cinema Paradiso" and "The Big Blue," both released in 1988, and "Malena" in 2000, are all masterpieces that have made their mark in film history. So in this special feature, we will focus on three masterpieces from the many that have a connection to Sicily: "The Godfather," "Cinema Paradiso," and "The Big Blue," and introduce the appeal of a journey through the beautiful scenery of Sicily.

From the capital Palermo to small villages, places related to "The Godfather" are scattered throughout the city

When talking about movies set in Sicily, the Godfather series, consisting of three films, is a must-see. This masterpiece by director Francis Ford Coppola is a huge hit that depicts the rise and fall of the Corleone family, a mafia clan that immigrated from Sicily to the United States, but the beautiful scenery of Sicily appears many times in the film. For example, the Teatro Massimo in Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is one of them. The Teatro Massimo is one of the most beautiful theaters in Italy, and a shocking scene at the end of The Godfather Part III, released in 1990, was filmed here. Of course, the gorgeous interior and the heavy architectural appearance are still intact, so it is a must-visit spot for fans of the film. In addition, Palermo has many heavy, classical buildings that evoke the world of The Godfather. Please enjoy the atmosphere.

"The Godfather" was filmed not only in the big city of Palermo, but also in small villages on the outskirts. For example, Savoca Village, near the resort town of Taormina in eastern Sicily, is a small village that appears as the hometown of Apollonia, one of the heroines in "The Godfather." You can visit Bar Vitelli and San Nicolò Church, which appear in the film. In addition, Taormina Giardini Station and Forza d'Agro Village near Taormina are also famous as places related to "The Godfather," so be sure to visit them.

Visit Palazzo Adriano to experience the world of Cinema Paradiso

"Cinema Paradiso," a masterpiece of Italian cinema released in 1988, has garnered many fans in Japan. Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, the film depicts the lives of the Sicilian people, the changing times, and intergenerational friendship through the relationship between Alfredo, a projectionist at a movie theater in a small village, and Toto, a boy who loves movies.

The main setting for "Cinema Paradiso" was Palazzo Adriano, located about a two-hour drive from Palermo. When you step into the small village surrounded by desolate land, you will find that the scenery depicted in "Cinema Paradiso" remains exactly as it was. Looking at the village scenery, such as the beautiful square and fountain surrounded by stone buildings, the cobblestone alleys, and the simple village people, you will feel as if Alfredo and Toto are right in front of you. There is also a museum themed around the movie in Palazzo Adriano, where you can learn more about the filming locations, so we recommend stopping by the museum first!

Looking out over the beautiful ocean of "Grand Bleu"

Located in the eastern part of Sicily, Taormina is known as a beautiful resort town facing the Ionian Sea. This city, which attracts many travelers from all over the world, is also famous as the setting for the French-Italian co-production film "The Big Blue," released in 1988. Directed by Luc Besson, the film depicts the lives and friendship of two divers (Frenchman Jacques Mayol and Italian man Enzo Molinari) who compete against each other for the world record in free diving. Taormina, which is depicted in the film as the city where the free diving world championships are held, is still dotted with the locations that were the setting for the film's memorable scenes.

Fans of "The Godfather" will be moved to tears by the sights, including "Taormina Giardini Station" and "Taormina Old Town," which also appear in the film, as well as "Ristorante La Scogliera," where Enzo, Jack, and the heroine Joanna meet! From the city of Taormina, which clings to the slopes of Mount Tauro, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the deep blue of the Ionian Sea, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the world of "The Big Blue."