Even though most guidebooks, and even the locals alike, refer to the intersection pictured above as Quattro Canti, its real name is Piazza Vigliena.  This is the point where the city’s two main streets cross: Via Marqueda and Corso Vittorio Emanuele.  Its nickname comes from the fact that there are four sides, and thus four streets, separated by four similar buildings with statues representing the four seasons, the four Spanish kings of Sicily, and the four patronesses of Palermo.  The buildings all rise four stories tall, and act as the beginnings of the city’s four main districts.

Two plaques  mark the building where Ottavio Lanza, prince of Trabia and duke of Camastra, and Pietro Lanza, Prince of Trabia, stayed while in Palermo.

By this time, we were beginning to get a little hungry, so we decided to make our way along some back streets, up to the Ballarò Market for some lunch.

Once we got to the market, it did not take long for us to find a place to stop and eat.  The Trattoria del Carmine lured us to a table with its display of dishes in the marketplace, and we were given a table outside, from which we could watch the crowds pass by, while at the same time, being removed enough from the chaos to make for an enjoyable meal.  The food was simple, traditional, and delicious, but best of all, very inexpensive!

The food was brought to the table as it was ready.  Everything was fresh, and tasted as if it had just come from the sea that morning.  We began with octopus in olive oil and lemon.

Our next plate was a traditional dish of rolled, stuffed sardines.  I am not usually a fan of sardines, but I have to say, the ones we had in Sicily were delicious!  I loved this dish, with its stuffing of breadcrumbs and raisins.

Lastly, we ordered some fried calamari.  Again, the calamari was cooked to perfection: tender and delicious!

After finishing our lunch, we continued on our walk.

 

Next up: After a gelato break, we visit a city park, and then, have a delicious dinner, this way completing our second day in Palermo!

 

Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations that may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Palermo, as well as other Italian destinations.  Grazie!