Take our Alternative Palermo Free Walking Tour will allow you to discover the hidden gems of the lesser known and more authentic Palermo.

 

The city of Palermo, Sicily, has two emblematic neighborhoods: La Loggia and La Kalsa. Both neighborhoods offer a unique combination of history, culture, gastronomy and architecture. Vucciria Market and Palermo’s original port, La Cala, which makes them a compulsory stop for any visitor to the city.

 

Loggia It is a neighborhood full of life, color and movement. Located in the heart of Palermo, it is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. Many of them still bear scars from the damage suffered during the War World II. Its name derives from the lodges of merchants from different parts of Europe that traded near the original port of the city.

 

La Kalsa, on the other hand, is a neighborhood with an Arab tradition. Its name derives from an Arabic word (al-Khalisa) that means,“the chosen one” or “the pure one”. Place of residence of the emir during the Arab domination of the city. In Kalsa, visitors can enjoy a host of historical sites, including the Abatellis Palace, the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi, and Piazza Marina.

 

Vucciria Market is an emblematic place of Palermo, located in the heart of Loggia. This market is known for its colorful atmosphere and its wide variety of fresh food, such as fish, fruits, vegetables, and spices. Here, visitors can experience the city’s authentic food culture, interact with vendors, and enjoy some of the best street food in the city.The Vucciria market is one of the three large markets of the city along with Ballaró and Capo.

 

Palermo’s original port, La Cala, is a “tongue” of sea that juts out into the city. Originally, mouth of the two great rivers of the city, Papyretus and Kemonia. It was the main port for centuries and the one that gave commercial life to Palermo from its beginnings.

 

In summary, the neighborhoods of Loggia and Kalsa, together with the Vucciria Market and the original port of Palermo, La Cala, are some of the most emblematic attractions of Palermo that you can discover with our Alternative Palermo Free Walking Tour.

 

A unique combination of history, culture, gastronomy and architecture, these neighborhoods are a must for any traveler visiting the city who wants to discover what only a few locals know about.