Our last day in Palermo - Chiesa del Gesù and Ballarò Market

For our last day in Palermo, we had planned to spend a quiet, relaxed day, enjoying a nice stroll through the city. We decided not to rent a car or take a train. But simply to enjoy a wonderful, sunny Sunday in this beautiful city. Frankly I have already fallen head over heels in love with this place in such a short time. We tried entering San Giuseppe Church, which we could not visit earlier due to a service. Then we went to Chiesa del Gesù. And after that we headed to Ballarò market, another famous historical place in Palermo. We also wanted to visit the archaeological museum, but it was only open until one o'clock, so we thought we would not make it in time. We decided to save that one for our next trip.

We entered San Giuseppe church, but there was a service going on once again. So after taking a quick look inside, we turned our route toward the Church of Jesus. In Palermo we could wander around comfortably and take photos inside churches. On that note, I have a rather unpleasant memory from Venice. Seeing that we were taking photos, church officials handed me a price list. Fortunately I faced no such issues in Palermo at all.

We arrived at the Church of Jesus. Its name Chiesa del Gesù, is quite interesting. This place is considered one of the most important religious structures that marked the Late Mannerism and Baroque periods in Palermo and even across all of Sicily. It is also known among locals as Casa Professa. However, the roots of the church stretch back to historical structures from the Norman and Arab period that previously stood on the same ground. Although its facade is quite large and majestic, it is decorated in a restrained way and I would say it is actually rather simple by Palermo standards.

Just like everywhere else in Italy, immortal art and simple daily life sit side by side in Palermo. Located just two steps away from the Church of Jesus is Ballarò Market. We wanted to take a look there as well. This is Palermo's oldest and largest market. With its structure reminiscent of an Arab bazaar, it brings the city's deep rooted past straight into the present day. The loud shouts rising betwen the stalls and the riot of colors make you feel like you are right in the middle of a living culture. We sat down somewhere slightly off the market street. I ordered a few dishes to try. A huge Caponata arrived.

Since there were two options on the menu, we wanted to clarify whether this was the small portion. The waiter told us, Yes, yes, this is the small one. Do you know why we make the portions so big? Because we see how thin you are. 😁 Another traditional dish we tried was Sarde a beccafico, which means stuffed sardine rolls.

After the meal we went down to the seaside. It was lovely there that day. The sky was amazing and the sea was calm and peaceful. Standing at this waterfront, I could finaly feel that we were by the sea. That lovely, salty sea air I had missed on the other promenade yesterday was present here.

I have shown and told you everything I wanted to share abot this trip. Now it was time to say goodbye. I hope you enjoyed my Palermo series. And I hope I managed to convey to you Palermo's distinct, extraordinary and vibrant atmosphere.

Thank you for reading, this is where we part ways. I wish you a wonderful morning, day, evening, a good workweek or a fantastic weekend. 🤗