markets of palermo

the true life of the city

Palermo, for its nature as port city and strategic position, has been famous for its markets already from the Arabic time (IX century a.C.), when Arabic historians and writers wrote about the amount of commerce going on in the city. Historically the markets in Palermo were located along the rivers and the port of the city, but today the port has been moved and the rivers run underground. From the many markets that have lived throughout the centuries, three main one are still in the same places they used to be: Ballarò, Capo and Vucciria.

Ballarò is the oldest and one of the biggest markets, taking place every day, it is said that the freshest fruits and vegetables can be found there.
Mon-Sat 07.30 - 20.00. Sunday only in the morning.

Capo is probably the biggest market, that also gives the name to the district where it is located.
Mon-Sat 07.30 - 20.00. Sunday only in the morning.

Lastly the Vucciria is probably the most famous market in Palermo. The market was started by people moving to Palermo from central and northern Italy and was initially devoted to the sale of meat (Vucciria means butcher shop, coming from the French boucherie). Today the market has almost disappeared and very few stands are still open every day. Nevertheless much of its life has now been moved to the night, thanks to the many street-food stands and bars populated by students and tourists.