In Sicily's Ionian coast, you'll find Savoca, tucked away and ready to tell its tales. It's a place where time, culture, and movies blend together. Sciascia once said it's got "seven faces" - he wasn't wrong. Every corner you turn in Savoca changes the view, showing off its layers. Not far from Messina, this medieval spot is wrapped in vineyards and groves of citrus and olives. It's easy on the eyes and good for the soul.
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You wander into Savoca, stepping right into history and The Godfather's famed scenes. Walk those old streets and you'll find yourself sitting in Bar Vitelli, the same spot where Michael Corleone's destiny got locked in. You're wrapped up in the film's atmosphere, where yesterday and today blend together smooth and easy.
This travel guide throws you into Savoca's guts. It's serene, old, and packed with stories. See Pentefur's ruins. They're mysterious, hinting at Phoenician, Arab, Norman pasts. Stroll past churches like San Michele, San Nicolò. They're history, packed tight. We're diving into Sicilian life here. It's Savoca, raw and calling.
Where is Savoca
Savoca sits quietly in Sicily, part of Messina's province. It's a good stretch, 170 kilometers from Palermo, and not too far, about 30 kilometers, from Messina. The place paints a pretty picture and carries a heavy load of history.
The land stretches over 9.08 square kilometers, with its heart beating 330 meters above the sea. They say it's one of Italy's most beautiful villages, and that's no small claim. Around it, neighbors like Casalvecchio Siculo and Forza d'Agrò, among others, share the land. This town, Savoca, stands proud and tall, a testament to beauty and history intertwined.
Pictures of Savoca, Sicily
Savoca sits in Sicily, right in Messina's grip. It's an old place, medieval even, with sights that'll stick with you. Perched on a rocky hill by the Ionian coast, it lays out views, sunsets too, all shifting in color. They named it after the Elderberry, savucu in the local tongue, tying it tight to the land and its past stories.
You plan a trip or dream, these pictures take you straight to Sicilian joy. They spark your travel bug, highlight Savoca's eternal charm.
A Brief History of Savoca
Savoca's tale kicks off in Roman times. Next, the Byzantines took a swing, followed by the Emirate of Sicily. By the 9th century, it's barely on the map. It was peasant land. Then the Kingdom of Sicily rolls in.
Things start to look up. Savoca becomes the Agrò Valley's heart. Cash starts flowing. History digs in. Culture pops. Old buildings stand tall. Then Fascists. Savoca gets knocked around but keeps its medieval vibe, stunning looks. Now, it's on Italy's hot list. Caught filmmakers' eyes. "The Godfather"? Savoca's in the spotlight.
Back in 1134, Roger II saw what Savoca was worth, called it a Barony. The heart of the village, old and medieval, stands strong. You can see the times of Renaissance and Baroque in its streets and buildings. This place, ancient and beautiful, is a piece of the Valle d'Agro tourist district.
Pentefur Castle, Arab-made, legend says five Taormina thieves built it. A synagogue from 1400 served Jews. The 14th-century gate, the Town Hall, and San Nicolò's Church stand out. They're Sicilian Baroque.
Savoca jumped into the action near Messina. It saw good days and bad. It dove into history, bending to the French while Messina kicked out the Spaniards. Its spot on the map mattered. Now, Savoca parties for Saint Lucia. Big events pull in tourists, spotlighting its deep roots and culture.
How to Get to Savoca, Sicily
Getting to Savoca, a picturesque village in Sicily, can be an adventure filled with beautiful landscapes whether you're traveling by air, train, bus, or car.
By Air
The most convenient airport for visiting Savoca is Catania Airport. Once you arrive at Catania, you can either rent a car or use public transportation to reach Savoca. The village is about a half-hour drive north of Taormina, offering a scenic journey through eastern Sicily's landscapes.
By Train
For those preferring to travel by train, Trenitalia operates services from Palermo Centrale to Messina Centrale every 4 hours, with tickets ranging from €17 to €30. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. From Messina, you can continue your journey towards Savoca by bus or taxi. Remember, while traveling by train in Italy, amenities like Wi-Fi, power outlets, and dining options are often available, especially on Frecce services.
By Bus
FlixBus offers a convenient option with a daily service from Palermo to Giardini Naxos, taking about 4 hours and 9 minutes. Prices vary from €20 to €29. Upon reaching Giardini Naxos, you can take a local bus or a taxi to Savoca. Buses in Italy are equipped with amenities such as Wi-Fi and power outlets, ensuring a comfortable journey.
By Car
Driving offers the most flexibility and allows you to enjoy Sicily's stunning landscapes at your own pace. Savoca is accessible from major Sicilian cities via well-maintained roads. The drive from Catania to Savoca, via the eastern coast, is particularly scenic and takes about an hour. Make sure to have a map or GPS navigation to enjoy the winding routes and spectacular views that lead to this charming village.
Map of Savoca
Where to Stay in Savoca, Sicily
Need a spot to bunk down in Savoca? Or maybe Sicily? Sardinia? Somewhere in Italy? We say, go straight to Booking.com. It's the real deal for catching bargains, eyeing prices, finding the spot that fits just right, and seeing real pictures and what folks really think.
Peek at your Savoca hotel picks with the search bar right here:
Don’t skip the chance to check out some fine spots and hotels in Savoca. We got to stay in a few, real nice ones, and others come with a solid nod from Sicilian travelers or pals.
Verdello Home stands fresh and welcoming, a new hotel that opens its arms to travelers. It claims its space near the beach and eateries, just a short walk away. Here, the team knows your name and your breakfast preference, croissants becoming a morning hello.
Dolce Casa n41 greets you with rooms that shine, spacious and modern, holding the promise of comfort. Mornings start with the scent of fresh fruits and the sweetness of jams made by hand, a true Sicilian welcome. From here, the treasures of the area lie within easy reach, inviting exploration.
Zagara Bianca presents itself with pride, perched with views that stretch to the sea, Mt. Etna, and the heart of Savoca. The house, fresh and flawless, offers a bed for every weary head and almost a bathroom too. It stands as a gateway to Taormina’s charm and the wonders beyond.
Resort Borgo San Rocco weaves the old with the new, set in a village touched by time. Its rooms frame views that speak of stories, of mountains, and the sea's expanse. A pool to cool the day’s heat away and a restaurant that whispers of Sicily’s flavors. The beach waits but a short journey away.
Villa Laura offers solitude with style, its private pool a whisper of luxury. Wi-Fi bridges the gap to the wider world while views unfold in quiet splendor. Here, furniture tells of taste and the promise of rest, making it a haven after days spent wandering under the Sicilian sun.
10 Things to Do in Savoca
If luck has you bound for Savoca in Sicily, keep your eyes peeled and your walking shoes ready for the following things to do:
1) Explore Kontiland:
Kontiland sits in Savoca, Messina, Sicily. Opened in 2017 by Giuseppe Lo Conti, a bricklayer turned artist. He built a mini Sicily in a theme park. Over 30 replicas of Sicilian landmarks dot the park. They're made from stone, clay, and concrete, sized 1:15 to 1:50. The park's paths mimic Sicily's outline. Each model sits where it should on the real island.
Lo Conti started with the Cathedral of Messina idea in the early 2000s. Kontiland grew into a 10,000 square meter showcase of Sicilian history and culture. Visitors see mini Messina Duomo, Taormina's Theatre, Trapani's saltworks, Catania's Ursino Castle, and more. The replicas are geographically accurate, scaled perfectly.
Besides history, Kontiland offers play areas and a restaurant. In summer, you can even stay overnight. It's a deep dive into Sicilian culture, in miniature.
2) Visit the Chiesa di San Nicolò/Santa Lucia:
Savoca's Chiesa di San Nicolò, often called the Church of Santa Lucia by mistake, is big. It's a mix of art, history, and "The Godfather" fandom. Francis Ford Coppola picked it for Michael Corleone's wedding to Apollonia. It's been around since the 13th century but got a facelift in the 18th century. It used to be where the village's working folks were buried, from the Middle Ages up until the 19th century.
"The Godfather" hit big. It made over $270 million and snagged three Oscars, including Best Picture. It's known for mixing violence, humor, and a peek at America's dark side. Filmed in New York, LA, and Sicily, the wedding scene at this church is iconic. It shows off Sicilian culture and architecture like nothing else.
The church is also famous for its design and art. Built in the Siculo-Norman style, it now sports baroque marble altars. Inside, you'll find a 14th-century painting of St. Michael the Archangel and a 17th-century statue of the Immaculate. The locals love it for the annual St. Lucy silver statue procession, a nod to tradition and faith.
3) Discover the Cripta del Convento dei Frati Cappuccini:
In Savoca, Sicily, the Cripta del Convento dei Frati Cappuccini shows off dead aristocrats. Beneath a church, it's home to 37 mummies. These guys, from the 1700s and 1800s, got a natural drying. They ditched their guts, got stuffed with straw, and bathed in vinegar and salt. Then, they were aired out to dry just right. You can see them, all dressed up, no pictures allowed. Respect matters.
The place has some serious art too. A 16th-century Madonna and a 1661 Madonna with kids and saints. There's a tale about a miracle veil, thanks to silkworms and a prayer. That veil's still there, proving it.
4) Admire the Chiesa di San Michele:
San Michele Church in Savoca, Sicily, hits you with history, architecture, and spirit. Built in the 800s, jazzed up in the 1400s with Baroque flair, this place stands out for its Gothic-Sicilian doorways. Think two sandstone doors, like those at Messina's Cathedral, decked out with fancy moldings and twisty columns. Step inside to see a column-free space, loaded with Baroque swag, a kick-ass wooden ceiling from the 1700s, and art that matters, like a St. Michael painting.
There's this wild tale about locals swiping a St. Michael statue from the next town over, sparking a feud that ended with a weird feast.
The church wasn't always looked after, hitting rough patches. A 2015 crowdfunding gig kicked off fixes, polishing up some ancient frescoes by 2020. Visitors found it kinda wrecked but dug the restoration work and the calm vibes it threw off. That peace, plus the slow fix-up, left folks with deep, quiet moments and memories worth keeping.
5) See the Casa Medioevale con Finestra a Bifora:
The Casa Medioevale con Finestra a Bifora sits in Savoca, Sicily. It's old, with a cool bifora window. This window style, big in medieval Sicily, splits one opening into two. People dig it. They say the place looks good and keeps Savoca charming, calling it a Sicilian gem.
6) Tour Castello “Pentefur”:
Pentefur Castle in Savoca, Sicily, is old and mysterious. People think it was built on ancient ruins. The Normans turned it into a summer spot for the Archimandrite of Messina around 1070. The Sicilian king took it in 1355, then gave it back. They fixed it up. By 1780, it was empty. The Nicòtina family bought it in 1885 and opened it up.
No one knows why it's called "Pentefur." Maybe from five thieves or the Greek for "five neighborhoods." Or it could be an old name.
Now, it's a ruin with walls and an old water system. It was part of a defense network. What's left includes a wall and a tower with windows and bits of the top.
Built in the 11th century on a site used since the 7th century, it faced earthquakes in 1693 and 1783. Then, it was left to fall apart.
7) Learn at the Museo Storico Etnoantropologico di Savoca:
The Museo Storico Etnoantropologico in Savoca, Sicily, kicks off in 1984. It starts with a show on peasant life. That show sticks and morphs into a full-blown museum by 2001. It's smack in Savoca's heart, stretching over two floors, plus an outside bit and an auditorium for talks and events.
Downstairs, it's all about old-school Sicilian life. Think bread-making, silk-weaving, and a heap of old tools. They even throw in proverbs and old tunes on the walls and speakers. Santo Lombardo, the curator, even whipped up a book of these sayings.
Upstairs shifts gear to the late Middle Ages. It's crammed with manuscripts, portraits, and even some noble family dirt. They've got a rundown on schools and writing back in the day too.
Next door, as mentioned earlier, is the St. Francis church is packed with art from the 16th and 17th centuries. It's famous for a "Miracle Veil" linked to a 17th-century silk legend.
8) Enjoy a drink at Bar Vitelli:
Bar Vitelli sits in Savoca, Sicily. It throws you into "The Godfather" scene. This spot starred in Michael Corleone's big ask to marry Apollonia. Now, fans flock here. It's packed with movie relics. Looks just like it did on screen. You get quiet, killer views, and real Sicilian eats. Don't skip the lemon granita with Zibibbo.
9) Partake in The Godfather Movie Tours:
In Savoca, Sicily, "The Godfather" fans can take cool tours. They dive into the Corleone family's world, hitting film spots.
One tour, by Sicily Grand Tour, hits big sites like Castello degli Schiavi. They offer free pickups from Taormina and Giardini Naxos. It's a small group thing, max eight people, for a tight vibe. Needs good weather and enough folks to run.
There's also a Donkey Tour. Salvo leads with his three donkeys, hitting not just the famous bar and church but also catacombs and monasteries. You get to meet local crafters and try their stuff. It's the real Sicilian deal.
10) Discover the Surrounding Sights:
After exploring Savoca, a beautiful destination in its own right, venturing to nearby attractions adds more depth to your Sicilian journey. Here's a curated list of sights and experiences around Savoca that promise to enrich your visit:
Theatre of Taormina (Ancient Theatre of Taormina)
Taormina's Ancient Theatre offers more than history. It's a spot with stunning views of Mount Etna and the sea. Built in the 3rd century BC, it stands well-preserved. You get both history and panoramic sights. A must-see.
Mount Etna
Europe's biggest active volcano, Mount Etna, is wild. It offers rugged adventures and a peek at nature's force. Tours from Taormina mix excitement with Sicilian wine tasting. It's a unique trip.
Isola Bella
Called the 'Pearl of the Ionian Sea,' Isola Bella is breathtaking. Linked to Taormina by a strip, it turned from private to a nature reserve in 1990. It's perfect for sun lovers and divers. Boat tours and diving here are top-notch.
Surrounding Attractions
Castelmola offers medieval ruins and stunning Etna views, less busy than Taormina. Alcantara Gorge, shaped by lava, is great for canyoning or nature walks. Both spots offer quiet beauty.
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Where to Eat in Savoca, Sicily
Here's our list of the best places to eat in Savoca. These spots are our own favorites, plus some fine suggestions from family and Sicilian pals.
Pipispezzi lets you eat Italian and Sicilian, all while looking out on a view. Osteria del Borgo dishes out the same, but folks say it's the spot for real Italian charm. Ristorante Gelso Nero, that's where you go for Italian, pizza, and Sicilian in a snug place. Il Sambuco Pane Condito makes Italian and Sicilian too, easy on the wallet. Borgo San Rocco Resort Ristorante, they serve up Italian, seafood, Sicilian, and the tastes of the South, but they do it fancy.
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