The Anti-Mafia Movement — judges, activists, and how Italy fights back

Italy’s anti-mafia movement is one of the most important civic struggles in modern European history.

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The heroes

Falcone and Borsellino: the judges who proved the Mafia existed as an organization (before the Maxi Trial, "Mafia" was often dismissed as myth or folklore). Libera (founded 1995 by Don Luigi Ciotti): network of 1,600+ anti-mafia associations. Campaigns for confiscation of mafia assets and their reuse for social purposes. Addiopizzo (Palermo, 2004): businesses that refuse to pay the pizzo (protection money) and display "Addiopizzo" stickers. Over 1,000 businesses joined.

Where to see it

Falcone’s Tree, Palermo (Via Notarbartolo): the ficus outside his apartment building, covered in notes, photos, and flags. A spontaneous memorial since 1992. No Mafia Memorial, Palermo (€3): museum in the Palazzo Jung. Capaci (motorway near Palermo): the site of Falcone’s assassination (memorial garden). Addiopizzo Travel: book tours and experiences only with pizzo-free businesses (addiopizzotravel.it). Corleone: CIDMA anti-mafia museum (€5, inside a confiscated mafia villa). The town that gave its name to The Godfather now fights its reputation.

More Italian history

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