Corleone - beyond the Mafia

The guided tour, lead by an activist of a local non-profit orgaization, will retrace the history of Corleone from the late nineteenth century. It runs through the city center and includes the “Laboratory of Legality”. Here you can admire the works of the Sicilian painter Gaetano Porcasi, which focus on the history of the Mafia and the Anti-mafia movement.

Highlights

• Learn about the stories of the most notorious mafiosi and the bravery of those who stood against them
• Explore its narrow alleyways, accompanied by a local activist
• Discover the history of the Mafia depicted in the paintings of a local artist
• Experience daily life in Corleone firsthand
• Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the best vantage points

The real Mafia and the Godfather mith

This little town evokes memories of the Mafia violence: the real one, connected to the names of the 'Boss of all bosses' Totò Riina, and the fictional one, portrayed in the Godfather movies. However, with us, you will experience the genuine Corleone, moving beyond stereotypes.

You will learn about how the real Mafia emerged in the 1800s in countryside towns like Corleone and how it evolved after World War II, when eventually Corleone was nicknamed 'Tombstone' due to frequent gunfights between rival factions.

You will discover how a small group of Mafia bosses from Corleone ultimately seized power in the early 1980s, significantly impacting the recent history of Cosa Nostra, Sicily, and all of Italy, with terrible massacres and suffering. Meanwhile, the popularity of The Godfather trilogy was spreading a distorted image of Sicilians.

The raise of the Antimafia movement

The guided tour will trace Corleone's history from the late nineteenth century when the peasant struggle represented the primary form of anti-Mafia resistance.

You will learn about how some of the leaders of this mass movement, who were born and raised in Corleone, were targeted and killed by the Mafia, becoming symbols of the anti-Mafia movement.

The tour includes a visit to the 'Laboratory of Legality,' the Antimafia museum. There you can admire the works of the Sicilian painter Gaetano Porcasi, offering a visual narrative of the Mafia and the anti-Mafia movement in Corleone over the past hundred years.

Waterfall and Canyons

The tour winds through the city center and ascends to breathtaking panoramic viewpoints, offering a glimpse of the picturesque town and of stunning Sicilian countryside.

The last stop will immerse you in an unexpected corner of nature nestled within the town, the so-called "Waterfall of the Two Rocks." Even if it is usually dry in summer, it's worth a visit for its majestic rock cliffs, lush vegetation, and the presence of ancient ruins.

How to reach Corleone

The meeting point with your local guide is in Corleone, in Piazza Falcone and Borsellino [MAP], at the entrance of the Public Garden.

• If you go by car, just google the meeting point and follow the directions. By car from Palermo it takes about one hour.
• If you use public transport, take the AST bus from Palermo to Corleone. The bus leaves at 8:15 am from the Bus Stop [MAP], in Piazza Giulio Cesare, facing the Central Train Station of Palermo. Round trip ticket costs € 8.50 and can be purchased on board. You will arrive in Corleone around 9.45 am, very close to the meeting point. Return options from Corleone to Palermo are available at 1:40 pm, 2:30 pm or 4:50 pm (confirm it with the bus driver on the way to Corleone).

After the tour the travellers say:

We really had a good and educational day

Our guide was a very good host. His knowledge and his skills in storytelling are giving this trip to Corleone really extra value.

One of the best tours my wife and I have ever taken.