Like the markets of Ballarò and Il Capo, the Vucciria market in Palermo has a long history. It is located in the heart of the ancient Loggia neighbourhood, in an area between via Roma, piazza San Domenico, via Cala and corso Vittorio Emanuele. The name of the market derives from the French for butchers – boucherie – where various types of meat were prepared and sold.
By the Middle Ages, the “bocceria” had already become a meeting point for merchants and trade, a vibrant business crossroads offering rare and precious foreign stuffs. Over time, the Vucciria began to take on a different configuration, selling not only meat but also fish, vegetables, fruit and herbs, gaining the name of “bocceria della foglia”.
The market is not the only vibrant feature in the neighbourhood, there are also artisan boutiques which lend their names to the surrounding streets, such as via Argenteria Nuova, via Argenteria Vecchia, via dei Cassari, via dei Maccheronai etc.
While still very atmospheric, the market is much reduced in scope today and has become a nightlife centre and gastronomic paradise for lovers of Palermo’s street food.
Sicilia Film Commission
Via Emanuele Notarbartolo 9 — 90141 Palermo
Phone: +39 091 7078008; +39 091 7078264; +39 091 7078133; +39 091 7078145
Email: filmcommission@regione.sicilia.it
