C.I.D.M.A. - Museo Antimafia — Attraction in Corleone

I decided to visit the town or Corleone at the last minute and I read about the museum in some guidebooks. I didn't know it was by reservation only, so once I got there, they explained me the only option was if I joined a guided tour with a school group in italian. Luckily, I can understand italian enough to catch the main ideas, so I decided to try. It was really awkward being in the middle of a group of teenagers, but it was better than walk away empty-handed.

The guide, Federico, was kind enough to let me join the group and explained me beforehand that he would speak only in italian, so I was prepared to concentrate and listen carefully. Overall, I was able to catch 70% of what he said. He explained the origins of the Mafia and all the main events and characters through history. A few names were familiar to me and I also learned a few facts and other people involved. There are a lot of photos on display and he explained the story behind some of them. It was an interesting experience and I am grateful that I went there.

But the museum could be more flexible and make the space more user-friendly, allowing more visitors to step in and have a better understanding about the mafia, instead of being limited to...

Whilst visiting the beautiful town of Corleone we thought it was important to educate ourselves on Sicily’s history with the Mafia, so we visited the Museo Antimafia. The lovely Roberta gave us a guided tour explaining the past and on going battle Scicily faces with the Mafia and outlined how it is a very real issue for the people of Palermo and Sicily. Her English was perfect and very advanced. We were even more impressed to learn that she had educated herself on all the history. Young Roberta is a student and volunteers at the museum and we were disappointed in ourselves for not having any cash to offer her for her efforts and knowledge. I highly recommend visiting this museum as it rightly so de-glorifies the mafia and sheds light on their vicious and ruthless methods. It has historical files from the Maxi Trials and a collection of breath taking photographs by Letizia Battaglia. Grazie mille Roberta! Keep up...

Federico was our guide and he was extremely well versed in Mafia history. His passion about the subject was evident and the more questions we had the more in depth information he shared with us. He walked us through the museum, explained who the individuals were in the pictures, and "connected all the dots" in between. He refused to idolize the mafia and made it a point not to refer to them as "a family" because that would tarnish the term used for people you love and cherish. We are from the U.S. and have only the stereotypical understanding of what and who the mafia represent. Federico could teach a class on the subject. We learned so much from him that it has peaked our curiosity and wish to learn more. Corleone is a beautiful town and this education we received will be the highlight of our visit. Grazie mille, Federico!...