Hill town with a major anti-mafia museum, a quiet old quarter and scenic interior countryside.
Corleone is a hill town about 55-60 km (35-37 miles) south of Palermo in the interior of western Sicily, famous worldwide because of Mario Puzo's novel and the film The Godfather, though the town's real history is one of struggle against the Mafia. Today it is a quiet agricultural centre with a compact old quarter, baroque churches and a main piazza, Piazza Garibaldi. The Centro Internazionale di Documentazione sulla Mafia e del Movimento Antimafia (CIDMA) is a museum and documentation centre on the history of organised crime and the anti-mafia movement, and is the most thought-provoking stop. Lunch options include fresh ricotta, sheep cheese and local sausages. The journey is by car in about 1 hour 15 minutes via the SS118; buses from Palermo exist but with limited service, so the timetable should be checked in advance. The surrounding landscape of wheat fields and olive groves is pleasant in spring. The trip suits a half day and pairs with a visit to Piana degli Albanesi, an Arbereshe community about 25 km from Palermo, on the same route.
| Distance | 55-60 km (35-37 miles) south of Palermo |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1h 15min by car |
| Getting there | Regional bus from Palermo to Corleone or driving via the SS118, about 1h 15min; check the bus timetable locally |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Piazza Garibaldi, 90034 Corleone PA |
How to get there
- Driving: SS118, about 1h 15min
- Regional bus from Palermo, limited service; timetable to be confirmed locally
Location
Piazza Garibaldi, 90034 Corleone PA
37.8133, 13.3009 View on map
Highlights
- CIDMA museum on the history of the Mafia and the anti-mafia movement
- Piazza Garibaldi and the old quarter
- Local ricotta, cheese and sausages
- Scenic interior countryside
- Optional stop at Piana degli Albanesi
Tips for visiting
- Check bus timetables in advance; services are limited and a car is easier
- Confirm opening hours for the CIDMA museum before travelling
- Treat the trip as a history visit rather than a film location tour
- Combine with Piana degli Albanesi if driving
- Allow three to four hours in town
When to visit
Spring and autumn; summer afternoons are hot.
Accessibility
The old quarter is steep with cobbled streets; accessibility at the museum should be confirmed locally.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Corleone from Palermo?
About 55-60 km south, around 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
Is Corleone safe for visitors?
Yes. It is a quiet rural town, and the anti-mafia museum is a main attraction.
Is there a film tour of The Godfather?
The film was not shot in Corleone; the name was taken from the town, and the museum focuses on real history.
Can it be reached without a car?
Yes, by regional bus, though services are limited and times must be checked locally.