Tour of Corleone and Palazzo Adriano

Exploring Corleone, the town of a hundred churches

Corleone

After a scenic countryside drive through rolling hills and vineyards, we arrive in Corleone, a town with over 3,000 years of history, originally founded by the Sikelian people. The town, nestled between two striking rock formations, is also known as the City of a Hundred Churches due to its impressive number of religious sites.

History, mafia, and cultural heritage

Corleone is infamous for its ties to the Sicilian mafia, a history that has inspired both real-life events and cinematic storytelling, notably in The Godfather saga by Francis Ford Coppola. However, beyond its dark past, Corleone is a place of transformation and cultural awakening, home to the Anti-Mafia Museum, which offers insights into the fight against organized crime.

Walking through the streets of Corleone

Take a leisurely stroll through the historic center, where you’ll encounter elderly locals wearing traditional Sicilian coppola hats, enjoying the slow rhythm of village life. Stop at a local café to taste authentic Sicilian cannoli with fresh ricotta or sip a glass of locally produced Nero d’Avola wine.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Civic Museum, which houses artifacts related to Sicily’s rural traditions and past civilizations, is highly recommended.

Discovering Palazzo Adriano, a cinematic gem in the Sicilian mountains

In the afternoon, the tour continues towards Palazzo Adriano, a picturesque village embraced by the Sicani Mountains. This hidden gem boasts a unique mix of Sicilian, Byzantine, and Albanian influences, evident in its architectural styles and cultural heritage.

Visiting the iconic town square

The heart of Palazzo Adriano is its charming main square, where you’ll find both a Catholic church and a Byzantine church, reflecting the town’s diverse historical roots. The square gained worldwide fame as the main filming location for Nuovo Cinema Paradiso (1988), the beloved Italian classic that won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.

Exploring the cinema paradiso museum

Film lovers will appreciate a visit to the Cinema Paradiso Museum, where props, posters, and memorabilia from the movie are displayed, narrating the story of a young boy’s friendship with a projectionist during the post-war era. The museum offers a nostalgic glimpse into the golden age of Sicilian cinema.

Experience the soul of Sicily

This Tour of Corleone and Palazzo Adriano offers a deep dive into Sicily’s past, from its ancient foundations to its modern-day resilience. It’s a journey where history, culture, and cinema intertwine, allowing visitors to see beyond stereotypes and appreciate the island’s beauty and complexity.

Join us on this immersive excursion and discover the hidden gems of authentic Sicily.

Price: Available upon request.