Armchair Traveler: Sicily

Italian, yes, but also fiercely independent, the Mediterranean island of Sicily has a rich and complicated history, one that blends an international mix of influences. Its beautiful vistas, quaint towns, sultry atmosphere, and longstanding traditions have inspired countless directors to film here, on location. Discover Sicily through cinema as we tour three of its historic towns, and check out Museyon’s photographic tour of Sicily.
 
Palazzo Adriano, Nuovo Cinema Paradiso

The town of Palazzo Adriano is at the star of the 1988 film known in America as Cinema Paradiso, which tells the story of a young boy’s journey to adulthood and the movie house that captured his imagination. In the center of town you can still see the square where Salvatore would play his movies, the place he finally returned, after becoming a famous director and spending 30 years away from Sicily.
 
Ragusa, The Star Maker
Another film about the film industry, this 1995 Academy Award nominee takes place in the southern city of Ragusa, where a conman “Dottore” Joe Moretti convinces an innocent girl that he can make her a movie star.
 
Siracusa, Malèna
World War II is the backdrop of Malèna, Giuseppe Tornatore’s 2000 film starring Italian superstar Monica Bellucci. In the film, the small city of Siracusa is turned upside down when a woman moves to town after her husband is presumed dead in the war—the women hate her, and the local men are fascinated by her, especially 12-year-old Renato. Film buffs will recognize Siracusa (Syracuse in English) as the place Michael Corleone and his bride Apollonia were set to move after their wedding in The Godfather: Part II.
 
To learn more about famous—and surprising—film locations around the world, pick up a copy of Film + Travel Europe from Museyon Guides.
 

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