The most beautiful city of Sicily, where the king resided, is Palermo. It is the main site for Muslim citizens who have Mosques, their own Markets and surroundingsIbn Jubayr, Travel in Sicily
This private walking tour, with its coloured markets, allows you to discover the real soul of Palermo and immerse your senses in local culinary traditions and Sicilian street food delights. The tradition of Sicilian open-air markets constitutes a legacy that dates back to the Arabic period (9th-11th centuries), when the ancient “Balarm” was a crucial point for the trade established between the East and West of the Mediterranean area. Living the noisy and crowded markets of Palermo, which is surrounded by an amazing artistic heritage, is an unmissable experience.
By visiting the ancient “Caput Seralcadi”, now called Capo market, which is famous for selling fish, you will discover to what extent all kind of products and some architectonic jewels, such as the Baroque church of the Immaculate Conception, are exhibited proudly. This is the perfect spot to try a delicious arancina (the typical fried rice ball) or pani ca' meusa (bread with spleen – only for true culinary adventurers!).
It is easy to get to Ballarò market, (the ancient “suq-al-Balari”), which is the melting-pot area of the city, by crossing the ancient Cassaro. Here you will find all the colours and fragrances of the world. The dome of the Baroque Church of Carmine Maggiore stands out from the multicoloured tents of the several surrounding shops. Lured by the irresistible sizzle of the frying pans, a stop to taste panelle and crocchè will be a must.
Finally, we will visit Vucciria, whose name derives from the more recent French term “boucherie”. This is the market celebrated by the famous painting of the Sicilian artist Renato Guttuso. Here, the remains of a glorious past are still evident: the market is a crucial point of the city, where ancient shops and historical activities resist to the global effects, as it is demonstrated by its crowded streets and squares during night and day.
On this cultural and food tour, every step and bite become a celebration of the city's cultural and culinary heritage!
