The four historical markets of Palermo are: Vucciria, the Capo, the Vecchio Borgo and the Ballaro, they are real living monuments.

Walking through the streets of these markets, you can, in fact, learn very well the traditions of Palermo.

The first feeling you get, leaving behind the great streets full of cars and entering these markets, it is one that we are living a moment of the past. 

There are not neon signs but huge lamps, the prices are not attached to the goods, but indicated on pieces of wood, visitors are constantly accompanied by the calls made out loud, and often quite colorful, from various vendors to invite you to buy their goods. This colorful invitation is called "abbanniata" in the dialect of Palermo. And in fact part of the show is also to listen to folk music typical of the historical markets. 

VUCCIRIA

The Vucciria (which means confusion in Palermo dialect) is located in the heart of the historic center of Palermo, between Via Roma and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, at the Quattro Canti.

The Vucciria was originally dedicated to the sale of meat. Today, however, it also sells fruit, vegetables and fish; the goods are displayed in typical stalls on special marble slabs called "Balate".

Over the weekend in the evening (and night), the market is a meeting place for young people who gather around the bar of the "stigghiolaro" just to enjoy the "stigghiola" (innards topped with lemon, pepper and plenty of salt) or octopus just boiled.

CAPO

The Capo is located near the Court of Palermo and is spread across all the lanes arriving to the Cathedral.

Among the narrow streets you can buy everything. The streets are sometimes so full of people intent on bargaining and looking around, that at times one remains stationary for several minutes before being able to walk again.

BORGO VECCHIO 

The market is located in Corso Scinà, between Piazza Sturzo and Piazza Ucciardone, near the Port and within walking distance from the central square Politeama.

Even this market is known for the excellent quality of fruits and vegetables that you can buy at good prices.

This market is the only one that stays open till late, attracting many young people here who come together to organize the evening.

BALLARO'

The historical market of Ballaro starts from the area of Corso Tukory, near the station, and spreads in the inner part of the historical center of Palermo.

It is a market used to sell fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, but there are also articles of domestic use for cooking and cleaning the house.

Being open all afternoon, is visited by those who are coming home, so there are sellers of cooked foods, typical of the cuisine of Palermo, ready to take home, such as onions, boiled or baked, panelle (fried chickpea flour), cazzilli (potato croquettes), boiled vegetables, octopus and quarume (calf sweetbreads).