To discover the soul of Palermo, you must go to its world-famous markets! The oriental atmosphere of this place will make you forget you are in Italy: as most of these markets were born in the period of Arab domination, they still maintain some characteristics of the typical North African markets. The desks and the baskets of goods invade the streets, the sellers shout to passers-by to catch their attention, thousands of colors flood the streets and all kinds of perfumes fill the air of one of the most beautiful Sicilian cities. Would you really leave Palermo without having seen such a place?
Discover where to find the most beautiful and well-known markets in the city and immediately organize your trip to Palermo!
It's inside its ancient markets, called Ballarò, Capo, Vucciria and Borgo Vecchio, that Palermo reveals its authentic spirit.
Ballarò is a market located near the central station and the church of Casa Professa, where hundreds of marriages are celebrated every year. Located in the Albergheria district, this is the largest and oldest market in the whole city. In fact, it dates back to the 10th century, a period in which the Arabs had commercial relations with an Indian village called Balhara. As the spices and merchandise coming from these distant lands were sold here, its name became "Ballarò".
Its charm has remained unchanged over time and it continues to attract dozens of buyers, thanks to the cries of the local sellers and to the appealing stalls of fresh fruit and vegetables called "abbanniate". The market is open all
day long and it offers some tasty foods, such as pianelle (chickpea flour fritters), crocchè (potato croquettes) and sandwiches with spleen. Actually, this typical street food is perfect to accompany a walk around the city!
Although the market is open 365 days a year, the best time to visit it is on Sunday morning: Ballarò becomes a huge second-hand shop where you can make a lot of great deals!
Instead, Vucciria is the market that inspired a famous painting made by Guttuso. It takes its
name from the ancient meat market called "la Bucciria" and it is located between Piazza Caracciolo and the surrounding streets.
This is the most peculiar market, as the goods are displayed on special marble slabs called "balate" put on the stalls. There is a triumph of colors and scents: yellow hanging lemons,red dried tomatoes, silver sardines and the pleasant scents of spices will turn your visit into a memorable experience!
Mercato del Capo derives its name from the
neighbourhood "Caput Seracaldi", which is the Latinization of an Arabic name. It is the fish market par excellence and it extends from Porta Carini to the magnificent area of the Cathedral. The numerous stalls crowding it make it difficult to pass between them, but each of them offers all kinds of delicacies! Fruits, vegetables, fish, fine meats ... this market has everything you will need.
Finally, Borgo Vecchio market is located in a popular neighborhood standing in sharp contrast with the bourgeois districts of Politeama and Libertà. The liberty-styled buildings, the splendid port and the colors of the stalls create a unique environment where every visitor loves to get lost.
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© Alice Pilastri
