Forza d’Agrò: The Sicilian Village of Film Sets

Perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Ionian Riviera of Messina, Forza d’Agrò is one of the most fascinating villages of eastern Sicily.

The name Forza d’Agrò comes from “Fortezza d’Agrò,” with Agrò deriving from the Greek Ἄrghennon (silvery), referring to the promontory of Sant’Alessio. Possibly inhabited by the Siculi as early as 1000 B.C., the area hosted a Phoenician port called Phoinix and a Greek citadel. Colonized by the Greeks and later by the Romans (135 B.C.), it then passed to the Byzantines, who introduced Eastern worship with Basilian monks and founded the Monastery of Saints Peter and Paul, later destroyed by the Arabs. The Norman Roger rebuilt both the castle and the monastery. As the population grew, the village moved further uphill, where Forza d’Agrò stands today. It took part in the Sicilian Vespers revolt (1282) and endured wars in the 17th and 18th centuries. After various dominations, in 1948 it separated from Sant’Alessio. Today it preserves a rich historical and cultural heritage and, thanks to cinema—The Godfather was filmed here—has regained international visibility, balancing memory and modernity.

What to See in Forza d’Agrò

Reaching Forza d’Agrò along the scenic S.P. 16 is a sensory experience: among olive, fig, and almond trees, the road climbs toward a village suspended between sky and sea. From the evocative “Dammuseddu” Belvedere, the view stretches across the Sicilian and Calabrian coasts. In town, starting from Piazza San Francesco, unfolds an itinerary of art, faith, and cinema.

Highlights include the Church of San Francesco (16th century), the Durazzesco Arch in Gothic-Catalan style, and the Church of the Holy Trinity with the painting Abraham in the Desert. The Augustinian Convent with its mummification crypt, the Baroque Mother Church with the miraculous Crucifix (15th century), the carved wooden choir, and Antonello’s Annunciation are all treasures of great value.

Also worth visiting are the noble palaces (Miano, Mauro, Bondì, Garufi-Schipilliti), medieval alleys such as the Prison Lane, Via SS. Annunziata, Piazza Carullo with its view of the Strait, the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate (now a museum), and the Quartarello, a medieval hamlet beneath the Norman fortress.

The picturesque Magghia hamlet, rock-hewn wine presses, ancient threshing floors, rounded boulders, and the trails of Monte Rocca Scala tell the story of rural traditions. The Falcone and Lombardo municipal villas offer relaxation with breathtaking views. Echoes of the past and cinematic charm, as seen in The Godfather scenes, make Forza d’Agrò a place where every stone tells a story.

Events, Culture, and Traditions

Forza d’Agrò’s religious festivals preserve a rich cultural heritage. The most heartfelt is the Feast of the Holy Crucifix (September 14), with the procession of the miraculous image accompanied by cries of devotion. The Feast of the Holy Trinity, celebrated in odd-numbered years, features the moving encounter between the confraternities of Forza and Gallodoro, with the traditional kiss of the banners and the distribution of cuddure, auspicious ring-shaped breads baked in the centuries-old oven. On Easter Monday, during the Feast of Laurel, the procession of the Holy Oils takes place with banners woven from laurel branches. The Living Nativity Scene, staged in the village on December 26, recreates the ancient atmosphere of Bethlehem.

Among cultural events are “Vini In-chiostro”, a wine tasting in the Augustinian cloister, and the “Ottobrata Forzese”, featuring local gastronomy and crafts. The twinning with Marktoberdorf strengthens ties with the Forza community that emigrated to Germany.

What to See Around Forza d’Agrò

Thanks to its strategic location, Forza d’Agrò is the ideal starting point to explore the wonders of the Ionian coast. Just a few kilometers away lies Savoca, another medieval village linked to The Godfather, with the famous Bar Vitelli. Further south, Taormina, with its Greek Theatre and views of Mount Etna, is one of the most beloved destinations for travelers worldwide.

Forza d’Agrò towers above the Sicilian coast, making the village’s atmosphere even more magical.

So, what are you waiting for? Come visit and let us know what you think!

Cover photo: Wikipedia, author trolvag, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0