Starting from the 1960s, the town became famous (or perhaps infamous) for its mafia, being the town in which some familiar clans had their basis and are named Clan dei Corleonesi. One of the known mafiosi is Toto Riina.
The name of the town was also used as the surname of the main character in Mario Puzo's book The Godfather.
Apart for criminal reputation, it is an ancient town, with a well preserved historical center in characteristic architecture.