Palermo historical market: Vucciria and Capo



Perhaps the most famous of all the historical markets in Palermo, is Vucciria (that in Palermo dialect means confusion). It is, however, even the oldest market of Palermo. The Vucciria is located in the heart of the old town centre of Palermo. Long time ago the market was protected by arcades, while today it is completely open.


It was called “the big Bucciria” in the past, so as to emphasize the difference with respect to the other smaller markets. The name probably derives from the word “Bucceria”, which in turn comes from the French boucherie, which means butcher. The Vucciria originally was dedicated primarily to the sale of meat.

Today in the typically paved streets (the so-called “Balate”) of Vucciria it is also sold fruit, vegetables and fish. The Vucciria is also the protagonist of a very famous painting of the great Sicilian painter Renato Guttuso (born in Bagheria). Another very popular market in Palermo is the Capo. It is located near the Court of Palermo and it spreads through all the streets and alleys that reach the Cathedral.

Along the narrow streets of the Capo you can buy just about everything. Sometimes the streets are so saturated with people intent on bargaining and looking around, that you may lie still for several minutes before being able to resume walking. We suggest you to taste the Sfincione, delicious Sicilian pizza typical of Palermo, sold by the hawkers along the streets of this market.

[Photos from www.flickr.com]