A Return to Magical Forza d'Agro....

   Just a few miles up the east coast of Sicily from where we are staying is the magical hill town of Forza d'Agro.  Perched in a fine defensive position high above the Ionian Sea, Forza d'Agro never fails to enchant.  Scenes from all three Godfather films were shot in this stunning village, which seems to be frozen in time.  We like to park at the entrance to the village, then walk along the via Belvedere with it's incredible views of the Sicilian coastline and beyond to Calabria on the Italian mainland.  At the northern end of via Belvedere we turn and walk down through the heart of the village, marveling at the ancient doorways and tiny alleyways.




   The walk along via Belvedere always offers up some stunning views.....







and some surprises, like this man standing on the walls of an old stone ruin, trimming a tree...





....and this truck that they obviously didn't want to roll...


   As you walk through the tiny streets, you are transported back in time...


...and arrive at Cattedrale Maria SS Annunziata e Assunta, featured in two of the Godfather films...


   All of this sightseeing tends to work up an appetite.  We have eaten in several restaurants in Forza d'Agro and all were excellent.  We tried a different one this time, and it didn't disappoint.  The restaurant is in the heart of the old village, just twenty meters from the Godfather church.  The name is Trattoria Anni '60, a tribute to the birth year of the mother of Caterina and Attilio, sibling owner's of the restaurant.  The food, views, and service are top notch.  The restaurant is decorated to celebrate the Godfather and other movies shot in and around Forza d'Agro...



   They even have their own house wine, a very nice Etna Nerello Mascalese, at 7 euros per bottle.  

   Caterina and Attilio were so sweet, as we paid our bill, they gave us a souvenir bookmark commemorating the Godfather movie.  

   A wonderful visit to Forza d'Agro, with it's history, mystery, and gastronomy.  We shall return....

   Touch any photo to enlarge...

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