Defined by Leonardo Sciascia, drawing on a popular refrain, for its seven different panoramic viewpoints, this splendid medieval village

Today is a warm May day, and we islanders set off again to explore new experiences in the province of Messina. First stop Savoca, included in 2008 among the “Most Beautiful Villages of Italy”: a small and delightful hilltop village that still preserves its medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque origins in its historic center, and in its many hamlets immersed in greenery, the typical Mediterranean vegetation, including citrus groves, vineyards, and olive trees.

Bar Vitelli and “The Godfather” atmosphere

We arrive in the main square of Savoca’s historic center, where the first things that catch the eye are Palazzo Trimarchi and Bar Vitelli, chosen by director Francis Ford Coppola as filming locations for scenes from “The Godfather”, to which a steel artwork has been dedicated and displayed at the viewpoint.

While waiting for our guide to begin an “unconventional” tour of the village, we take some photos and enjoy the beautiful sunny day, sipping coffee and admiring the stunning panorama.

Urban trekking on donkeys

Suddenly, in the distance, we spot Salvo, an expert local resident, arriving on the back of Gina followed by Caterina (who in turn carries the lovely dog Molly), two beautiful donkeys moving slowly and gently, as is typical of these animals.

We begin our urban trekking through the village, partly on foot and partly riding donkeys. And to our great surprise, while walking along, who do we meet?? An icon of Savoca, who took part in filming Francis Ford Coppola’s movie: a woman from another era who, when Daniela asks her “Is it really you?”, jokingly replies “Why? Who else should I be?”

After quietly laughing at the joke, we continue our tour stopping in front of the village bakery, enchanted by the smell of freshly baked biscuits and the neatly displayed baked goods at the entrance.

Nino’s bakery and village life

We stop to chat with Nino, the baker, talking about everyday things and the upcoming summer season after a long period of closure. Nino speaks enthusiastically, telling us how pleasant it is to welcome travelers accompanied by Salvo on donkey tours. He is kind and cheerful, and after a photo, he says goodbye by gifting us a box of delicious almond biscuits.

Churches, views and village walk

It is time to start our tour, so the donkeys are assigned and we take turns enjoying this beautiful walk, with photos and stops for short explanations and insights. The full tour usually lasts about three hours, but today Salvo has reserved a shorter version, giving us a taste of what is offered to visitors from all over the world.

He guides us through the streets of Savoca, among beautiful views and corners, telling us along the way about the history of its monuments and churches. During one of the stops, we enter the Mother Church, where we find very evocative paintings and statues.

The walk continues, and once on horseback, Roberta no longer wants to get off: as we know, contact with animals and their warm breath always gives her a unique feeling. She calls it therapy for the soul!

Experiences and flavors of the village

Salvo tells us about all the beautiful experiences that can be enjoyed in Savoca, the magic of its silence from sunrise to sunset, and we won’t hide the fact that we start dreaming with our eyes open, already imagining a possible summer aperitif outdoors.

Among the stops of the tour there is also a small restaurant where visitors can enjoy tastings of local products and, for the more adventurous, even a cooking class, followed by a lunch prepared with those same products. Delicious!

Santa Teresa Riva and “Miniature Sicily”

But as always, it is time to leave, so although reluctantly (we were truly relaxing), we say goodbye to Salvo, his donkeys, and his loyal dog, who accompanied us throughout the route, happily wagging its tail.

We head toward Santa Teresa Riva to meet a truly multifaceted artist and visit his property.

A few years ago, through many sacrifices and despite being considered crazy by many, Mr. Pippo decided to bring to life his dream of creating Sicily in miniature, reproducing the key landmarks of our beautiful island: within a large plot of land, with patience and passion, he recreated the main monuments of Sicily’s nine provinces, also paying tribute to lesser-known places he is particularly attached to. We find ourselves in a large park where the artworks are carefully placed along a path shaped like Sicily itself. Mr. Pippo tells us how his passion began, the time required to create each monument, guiding us piece by piece through the history and curiosities behind them, and how this passion helped him during the lockdown period, when he was able to create new works.

Despite the late hour and the strong sun, we take umbrellas and walk across all of Sicily on foot (our first time doing so!), amazed by the precision and beauty of these monuments, which, although miniature, are crafted so meticulously and faithfully that they truly convey the grandeur of the original artworks that enrich our island.

Once again, our five senses have been gently touched.

And so we return home repeating once more… Wonderful Sicily!

We are ready to live a new experience … and you?