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Nicolas Cage’s Ancestral Italian Hometown Captures All The Charm Of Southern Italy (Exclusive Video)

Giacomo Reale | PUBLISHED: March 5, 2023

Giacomo Reale
March 4, 2023

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Nicolas Cage burst onto the Hollywood scene in the 1980’s thanks to a series of leading roles including starring alongside Cher as Italian American heartthrob Ronny Cammareri in Moonstruck. Few know that Cage is Italian American himself, tracing his roots back to the small town of Bernalda in Southern Italy. His birthname was Nicolas Kim Coppola, and he is a relative of legendary film director Francis Ford Coppola.

Here are some facts about Bernalda, the town from which Cage’s ancestors hailed.

  • Bernalda is a town of 12,000 residents in the Province of Matera, Basilicata. 
  • 19th century palace Palazzo Margherita is one of the most historic sites in Bernalda.
  • The palace was purchased by Cage’s uncle Francis Ford Coppola and converted into a 5-Star resort and hotel. 
  • One of the most celebrated Southern Italian feasts takes place in Bernalda. Each May, Bernalda hosts the San Bernardino da Siena festival, which features various medieval music and cultural traditions.  
  • Cage’s great grandfather Agostino, was the grandfather of Francis Ford Coppola, and immigrated from Bernalda in 1904.
  • He was nicknamed “Zumbabalcone” by the people of Bernalda, which loosely translates to “balcony jumper”. 

Check out the video below for an exclusive tour of Nicolas Cage’s ancestral hometown of Bernalda. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Giacomo Reale

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